Le Petit Parc 1735 - 1791

This delicate landscape, "Le Petit Parc," was etched by Jean Claude Richard, Abbé de Saint-Non sometime in the late 18th century. The process of etching, a printmaking technique, involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal beneath. When acid is applied, it bites into these exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The particular character of etching lends itself to fine detail, as we see here in the profusion of leaves and intricate stonework. But the real character of the medium comes out in the areas of tone, achieved through varied textures of scratching and different lengths of acid exposure. Consider the labor involved in Saint-Non's work. The skilled hands needed to prepare the plate, the controlled application of acid, and the final printing – all speak to a world of specialized knowledge. By understanding the methods, materials, and the social context of its creation, we recognize "Le Petit Parc" not just as a pretty scene, but as a testament to the artistry embedded in the printmaking process.