Don Quixote 

Gustave Dore made this "Don Quixote" illustration using wood engraving, a technique dating back centuries. Wood engraving is a relief printing process, where the artist carves an image into the end grain of a block of wood, traditionally boxwood, using specialized tools called gravers or burins. The remaining raised areas are inked and printed, creating a design of crisp lines and tonal variation. Dore's mastery of wood engraving is evident in the intricate details of the scene, and the depiction of a large crowd. The process is labor-intensive, demanding patience and skill to achieve the desired level of detail and precision. This level of skill in turn references social standing and consumption: book illustrations such as this brought art to a wider audience, while simultaneously implying a level of education and wealth in the owner of the book. Considering the materials, techniques, and social context helps us appreciate the full meaning of this artwork, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.