Fascicule II 1763

Jean Claude Richard, Abbé de Saint-Non, created this print titled "Fascicule II," using etching. It exemplifies the 18th-century fascination with classical antiquity. Made in France, the image showcases various Roman artifacts like friezes, urns, and sculptures. These were popular motifs during the Neoclassical movement, which sought to revive the artistic and cultural values of ancient Greece and Rome. The print reflects the era's burgeoning interest in archaeology and the desire to document and disseminate knowledge of classical art. The institutions of art played a crucial role in shaping artistic production, in this case through publishing. Prints like this helped circulate visual information, influencing taste and design across Europe. They reflect not just artistic styles but also the social and economic structures that supported the production and distribution of art. By studying such works, we gain insight into the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shaped artistic production. Resources like period journals, architectural treatises, and museum collections can further illuminate our understanding of the relationship between art and society in the 18th century.