Portret van William Pitt II 1794 - 1828

This is a print of William Pitt the Younger, made by Ludwig Gottlieb Portman. The process used was stipple engraving, a printmaking technique that relies on tiny dots, rather than lines, to build up an image. Look closely, and you'll see how the subtle gradations of tone are created entirely by these minute marks. Think about the labor involved in creating this image: each dot carefully placed to capture the likeness of Pitt. The prints could be produced in multiples, which made them more accessible to a broader public, and were cheaper than a painted portrait. Printmaking techniques like stipple engraving played an important role in disseminating images and ideas. They also speak to the democratization of art, making portraits available beyond the elite circles who could afford to commission paintings. This challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and what is seen as merely reproductive craft. In truth, the skill and artistry that go into such work are considerable.