Fontaine Louvois in Parijs before 1840

This illustration of the Fontaine Louvois in Paris was made by A. Provost, using a printing process. The illustration is a printed image, likely an engraving or lithograph, which allows for detailed lines and tonal variations. The process begins with the artist creating an image on a matrix – a metal plate or stone. Ink is then applied to the matrix and transferred to paper. The texture and precision evident in this piece speak to the skilled labor involved in its production, not only in the work of the artist but the artisans involved in the industrial process of printing, and bookbinding. Consider the social context, where printed images were becoming more accessible, influencing public perception of architecture and urban spaces. By understanding the techniques involved and the economic forces at play, we move beyond traditional art history, bridging the gap between fine art and the world of production.