Winter 1709

This print, "Winter," was made by Bernard Picart in the early 18th century using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve coating a metal plate with wax, drawing an image, and then using acid to bite away the exposed lines, allowing for the creation of intricate, reproducible images. Look closely, and you can see the lines that form the figure, creating areas of light and shadow. These marks convey the sculpture's weight and texture, as well as the emotive experience of winter's cold embrace. The social significance of printmaking at this time was the ability to disseminate images widely, making art and ideas accessible beyond elite circles. This print would have allowed people far from Versailles to imagine its wonders. Picart, and others like him, played a crucial role in the circulation of visual culture, navigating the space between fine art and craft. Consider the labor involved in the original marble carving, and the skilled work required to translate this into a print; it urges us to look beyond traditional hierarchies, and appreciate the diverse skills that shape our visual world.