Portret van Washington Irving 1816 - 1889

This is a portrait of Washington Irving, made by Johannes de Mare. It's a print, made using the technique of steel engraving. The engraver starts with a polished steel plate, into which they incise lines using specialized tools called burins or gravers. The depth and thickness of these lines determine how much ink they hold, and therefore the darkness of the printed line. Steel engraving was known for its capacity to produce very fine detail, so look closely at the intricate lines that define Irving's face, hair, and the texture of his fur collar. This was a laborious process, requiring immense skill. The rise of steel engraving in the 19th century coincided with the growth of the publishing industry. Prints like these were included in books or sold as individual portraits. The technique allowed for mass production while maintaining a high level of detail. In that sense, it reflects the changing dynamics of labor, politics, and consumption during the industrial era. The print exists at the intersection of craft and industry, high art and commercial production. By considering the materials, making process, and social context of this portrait, we can appreciate its full complexity.