Gezicht op de Bains chinois te Parijs 1787

Laurent Guyot created this print of the Bains chinois in Paris using etching and hand coloring. The etching process involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed, giving the image its fine lines and delicate details. The addition of color by hand adds another layer of craft, making each print unique. The print's visual qualities are very much determined by the printing process, which allows for intricate linework and the subtle variations in tone achieved through hand coloring. The work reflects a skilled tradition, demanding precision and artistic judgment. Such prints were integral to the burgeoning culture of consumption and leisure in 18th-century Paris. The Bains Chinois was one of the city's most decadent destinations, a place to see and be seen. Therefore, this image could be acquired and consumed, just like the experiences it depicted. By understanding how prints were made, we can see how they contributed to both the artistic and economic landscape of the time.