Portret van Jean de La Fontaine c. 1837 - 1840

Editor: This is a portrait of Jean de La Fontaine, an engraving made sometime between 1837 and 1840 by N.M. Schild. The detail achieved with the engraving is just incredible, especially the rendering of his voluminous wig. What catches your eye when you look at this? Curator: I'm particularly drawn to the process of its creation. Think about the labour involved in creating those lines, etching the plate, printing the image. And consider its dissemination. Engravings like this served a vital function in circulating images of prominent figures within a burgeoning print culture. This wasn’t high art displayed in salons, but something much more accessible, a commodity reproduced and consumed. Editor: So, you're saying it’s less about La Fontaine himself and more about the making and the distribution of the image? Curator: Exactly! What paper was used? How many impressions were made? Who bought these prints? Where were they displayed – in homes, shops, or cafés? Those are the questions that help unlock a broader understanding of its significance. It transcends the artistic talent; instead we can delve into the era of material consumption. Editor: That makes sense. So, by focusing on the materials and the means of production, we can understand more about the social context. It's interesting to consider the labor involved, something often overlooked when viewing historical portraits. Curator: Precisely. Thinking materially allows us to engage with the artwork outside of the simple aesthetics, to touch upon themes of mass production and its place in the historical zeitgeist. It really bridges the gap between high art and what was then considered a simple craft. Editor: I never considered art this way; this definitely encourages a wider interpretation that includes not only who this is, but what that signifies in terms of consumption and mass production in art during this time.