Poort met zittende vrouwen in fronton 1772 - 1779

This print, "Poort met zittende vrouwen in fronton" or "Doorway with seated women in pediment," was made by Jean Pelletier in the 18th century using etching. Notice how the incised lines, holding the ink, are not just descriptive but create tonal variation. Pelletier was using a well-established printmaking process to render a design for architectural ornament. The image’s neat regularity shows the influence of industrialization, even in this seemingly rarefied world of design. The lines are precise, creating a sense of order and control, yet it’s all done by hand. It speaks to the tension between craft and industry during this period, as artisans adapted to new forms of production and consumption. Ultimately, this print makes us consider the labor involved in both its creation and the creation of the architectural design it depicts. It reminds us that even the most decorative arts have a practical origin, and invites us to consider the many hands that bring such designs to life.