About this book
Charles Sumner's The Best Portraits in Engraving is a masterwork of art history and connoisseurship that celebrates one of humanity's most enduring forms of artistic expression. Written during the height of the nineteenth century, this classic study examines the finest examples of portrait engraving and explores the profound beauty found in this traditionally underappreciated medium.
Sumner traces engraving's rich historical trajectory, from its origins as the handmaiden of painting to its emergence as an indispensable fine art. He demonstrates how master engravers created portraits of unparalleled technical skill and emotional depth, establishing themselves as permanent fixtures in the artistic canon. Rather than viewing engraving as mere reproduction, Sumner reveals how these works stand as independent artistic achievements worthy of serious study and appreciation.
Born from Sumner's own personal journey of discovery—undertaken during a period of illness when he found solace and intellectual stimulation in examining world-class collections—this audiobook offers readers a deeply personal yet scholarly guide to understanding portrait engraving. Drawing on his examination of collections across America and the vast holdings of Paris's National Cabinet of Engravings, Sumner crafted a work of genuine passion and expertise.
This audiobook is ideal for art historians, collectors, and anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation for classical engraving and the masters who perfected this demanding craft. Sumner's erudite yet accessible approach makes it perfect for listeners wanting to understand a transformative chapter in art history.
