Titelprent met antieke ornamenten 1820

Here is the title page, made by Pierre-Nicolas Beauvallet, likely in the late 1700s, through etching. The whole composition is based on line. Note the crispness of the design, which depends entirely on the sharp definition of each mark. The linear format of the etching enables a reproduction of classical architectural motifs with accuracy. This title page, and others like it, are a product of the division of labor that characterized the era. Beauvallet was a well-regarded sculptor, but printmaking required specific technical skills and equipment. The title page then advertises Beauvallet's expertise, and the way he translated classical forms. By mastering printmaking, and deploying it toward design, artists like Beauvallet could circulate their knowledge, fueling further cycles of production. This print is an efficient demonstration of how craft, fine art, and design could combine to feed the engine of consumption.