Titelblad: Livre des Ouvrages d'Orfevrerie 1663

This is a print made by Louis Cossin around 1663, a title page for a book showcasing goldsmith works. It gives us insight into the world of luxury craftsmanship in 17th-century France. Notice how the image creates meaning through visual codes. The central clock-like structure, adorned with intricate details, speaks to the opulence and technological sophistication of the era. The surrounding floral wreath is more than just decoration; it's a carefully constructed display of wealth and status. This was the France of Louis XIV, a society where art and craft were closely tied to the court and the aristocracy. Institutions like the royal workshops shaped artistic production, setting standards and dictating tastes. To truly understand this print, we might delve into the archives of the goldsmith guilds or study the court records of the time. We’d discover how artisans like Cossin navigated the complex social structures of their day, producing works that catered to the elite while also shaping the very idea of French style. Art, in this context, becomes a window into the social and institutional forces that shaped its creation.