Medal Engraving, from Encyclopédie 1762 - 1777

This print, made with engraving, comes from the 'Encyclopédie,' the famous compendium of arts, sciences, and trades published in France in the mid-1700s. The image offers a glimpse into the highly skilled world of medal engraving. Notice the tools meticulously laid out: chisels, gauges, and specialized equipment for shaping metal. Above, we see an engraver at work, hunched over a table in a well-lit workshop. Engraving is an exacting process. Each line is carefully incised into a metal plate, demanding immense patience and control. Consider the labor involved in creating just one of these medals, let alone the plates for mass production of prints such as this. The 'Encyclopédie' aimed to elevate the status of craftspeople by showcasing their knowledge and techniques. By depicting the engraver's tools and workshop, it emphasized the intellectual and technical skill required for this kind of work. It reminds us that even seemingly "minor" art forms rely on deep expertise and contribute to a broader culture of knowledge.