Η καθημερινότητα και το έργο ενός χαράκτη του 19ου αιώνα

'The work was long and tedious, and although the engravers were paid, on average, one hundred pounds for each plate engraved, the task might take up to two years: '... few have lived more solitary or more laborious lives. Bending double all through a bright, sunny day, in an attic or close work-room, over a large plate, with a powerful magnifying glass in constant use; carefully picking and cutting out bits of metal from the plate, and giving the painfully formed lines the ultimate form of some of Turner's most brilliant conceptions; working for twelve or fourteen hours daily, taking exercise rarely, in early morning or late at night; "proving" a plate, only to find days of labour have been mistaken, and have to be effaced and done over again ... such is too commonly the life of an engraver.'

Eric Shanes, Turner's Picturesque Views in England and Wales 1825-1838, 1979