pencil drawn
aged paper
light pencil work
shading to add clarity
pencil sketch
old engraving style
personal sketchbook
pen-ink sketch
sketchbook drawing
pencil work
Dimensions: height 199 mm, width 130 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This print of a vase with mermen was made by Gabriel Huquier, sometime in the 18th century, using etching and engraving. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image. Each line was manually incised into a metal plate, a testament to the engraver’s skill. The printmaking process, while allowing for reproduction, still required meticulous handwork. The vase is adorned with mermen, mythical creatures that lend a touch of the fantastical, reflecting the Baroque and Rococo periods’ love for ornate and elaborate designs. However, this wasn't just about aesthetics; it was also about commerce. Note "avec Privilege du Roy," a mark of royal endorsement, allowing Huquier to produce and sell his prints under the protection of the monarchy, indicating the intersection of art, power, and economic privilege. By examining the printmaking process, and the systems of labor and patronage that surrounded it, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural value.
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