Titelpagina voor: Lanterne Magique, 1782-1783 1782 - 1783

This print, "Titelpagina voor: Lanterne Magique," was made anonymously between 1782 and 1783 using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on corrosive acid to produce designs in metal. Look closely, and you'll see how the etcher carefully exposed certain areas of the metal plate, creating a range of tonal values. The labor-intensive process, demanding careful timing and skilled craftsmanship, highlights the intersection of craft, artistry, and the burgeoning culture of entertainment in the late 18th century. The very nature of printmaking allows for reproduction and distribution. So the "Magic Lantern" becomes more accessible as a form of entertainment, beyond the aristocratic and wealthy classes, reflecting wider social and cultural shifts of the time. This print encourages us to consider how art and entertainment were produced, consumed, and experienced in an era defined by both privilege and increasing accessibility. It asks us to challenge conventional boundaries of art history, and consider the relationship between design, craft, and social change.