Reine, l'excés des maux où la France est livrée... 1825

Horace Vernet created "Reine, l'excés des maux où la France est livrée..." as an engraving. This reproductive process made images widely available, tying artistic creation directly to market demand. Engraving demands meticulous labor. The artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, inking the plate and pressing it onto paper. The stark contrast between the ink and paper heightens the emotional tension of the scene, emphasizing the subjects' expressions and the heavy atmosphere. Look closely and notice how the artist has deployed the technique to create depth and shadow. This print depicts a queen surrounded by advisors, possibly facing political turmoil. The detailed rendering of costumes and setting indicates the luxury enjoyed by the elite, in sharp contrast to the labour required to produce the print itself. This underscores the complex relationship between art, labor, and social class in 19th-century France. This engraving serves not only as a historical record but also as a commentary on power, production, and consumption.