Landschap met drie scènes waarin een jonge vrouw een medaillon koopt, draagt en verkoopt 1731 - 1764

This print by Louis Truchy, made in the mid-18th century, tells a story using the technique of etching. Etching involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal beneath. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. These grooves hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. Notice how the etched lines define the forms and create a sense of depth. But also consider the social context of this image. It's a morality tale, showing a young woman’s journey through different social strata, symbolized by the medallion. The progression from open country to refined interior reflects the burgeoning mercantile class. The print itself, made through a process of reproduction, speaks to the increasing circulation of images and ideas in the 18th century. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple materials and processes carry complex cultural meanings.