Titelprent voor een serie ontwerpen voor klokken c. 1725 - 1750

This is a title page for a series of clock designs, made by Gabriel Huquier in the 18th century through engraving, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Engraving demands precision and skill, and the sharp lines create a stark contrast between light and shadow, typical of the era. Notice how the elaborate frame, complete with dragons and a portrait, surrounds the text, promising a luxurious aesthetic within. The inscription notes that the designs were invented by G.M. Oppenort, architect to the King, which speaks to the close relationship between artistic production, patronage, and power. This print wasn't just art for art's sake; it was a commercial venture, a means of disseminating designs that could be copied and adapted by other craftsmen. By focusing on the processes, materials, and social context, we can better understand its significance, and challenge the traditional hierarchy between design and craft.