Fascicule I

Jean-Claude Richard, Abbé de Saint-Non, made this print, titled 'Fascicule I' using etching. It's an encyclopedic collection of images that gives us insight into the visual culture of 18th century France. We see a variety of objects rendered in a precise, academic style. From furniture to relief sculpture, the focus is on classical forms, reflecting the period’s obsession with antiquity. This interest was fueled by archaeological discoveries, such as Pompeii, which shaped artistic tastes and collecting habits. Consider the social context: the Abbé de Saint-Non was part of a network of scholars, artists, and aristocrats who sought to elevate French taste through the study and imitation of classical art. Prints like these were crucial in disseminating knowledge and standardizing artistic styles across Europe. These images speak to the power of institutions, like the French Royal Academy, to shape art and culture. As historians, we examine letters, inventories, and treatises to reveal the complex interplay of art, power, and social life in 18th century France.