Schenkkan met Romeinse strijdscène c. 1650 - 1664

This print, made by Jean Lepautre in the 17th century, shows a vessel teeming with figures and ornament. Lepautre used etching, a printmaking technique that allowed for highly detailed and reproducible images. The image shows a grand object, a lavishly decorated vessel, overflowing with life and drama. The material effect here is one of sheer abundance. This is partly achieved by the artist’s clever manipulation of the etching needle, creating a wealth of intricate detail. But consider, too, what this image represents: a celebration of elite power and wealth. Lepautre was active at a time when European society was rigidly stratified. Prints like this were made for a specific purpose: to circulate images of luxury, solidifying the status of the wealthy and powerful. It took labor to create the object Lepautre depicted, and the print itself. By understanding the materials, making, and context of such images, we gain insight into the social and economic dynamics of the past. This challenges any distinction between art and craft, revealing a rich, interwoven history.