Portret van Georges-Louis Leclerc, graaf van Buffon 1798 - 1841

Charles Aimé Forestier created this portrait of Georges-Louis Leclerc, graaf van Buffon, using engraving, a printmaking technique, where the image is incised into a plate. Here, the character and identity of the artwork are intimately linked to the physical processes of its making. The artist carefully cut lines into the metal, building up tone and texture through the accumulation of marks. The precision of line and rendering of the image reflect the skill of the artist, whose expertise determines the quality of the final print. Engraving like this, allowed for the democratization of images through mass production. Each print pulled from the engraved plate made art more accessible, and the image of important figures circulated widely. This had social and political implications. So, by looking closely at the materials and making of this portrait, we appreciate the skill involved, and understand its role in shaping social life. It reminds us that techniques often dismissed as ‘mere craft’ are central to art history.