Divinité Chinoise after 1729

This print, "Divinité Chinoise," was made by an anonymous artist. It's an etching, a process that relies on the corrosive power of acid to create a design in metal. The artist would have coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratched an image into this coating. When the plate was dipped in acid, the exposed metal would be eaten away, leaving behind incised lines. These lines would then hold ink, allowing the image to be printed onto paper. This intricate design, with its blend of Chinese motifs and European Rococo style, reflects the fashion for Chinoiserie that swept through Europe in the 18th century. Prints like these were often used as models for decorative arts. The labor-intensive process of etching allowed for the relatively quick and cheap reproduction of images, making exotic and luxurious designs accessible to a wider audience, and fueling consumer desire. This is where the worlds of craft and commerce meet.