Figures de modes c. 1710

This print, by Jean-Antoine Watteau, pictures a fashionable gentleman through etching, a printmaking technique. The artist covers a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then draws his composition, here, a standing man in a landscape, removing the ground with a pointed needle. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the metal, creating lines that hold ink. Watteau’s figure stands as a testament to the power of fashion in the 18th century. The intricate lines of the etching bring the figure to life, showing off every detail of his elaborate costume, from the voluminous wig, to the long coat, breeches, and buckled shoes. But it is the process of etching that truly brings the artwork to life. The fine lines created by the acid give the figure a sense of depth and texture, while the stark contrast between the black ink and the white paper emphasizes the elegance and sophistication of the man’s attire. Looking at the artwork through the lens of making, we are reminded of the labor-intensive processes that went into creating both the print and the clothing it depicts, as well as the cultural values that elevated fashion to an art form.