Gezicht op de Orangerie van het Paleis van Versailles 18th century

This print, “View of the Orangerie of the Palace of Versailles,” was made by an anonymous artist through a process of engraving and hand-coloring. Look closely, and you'll see that the artist has employed a technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The application of color by hand adds another layer of craft. The texture of the paper, its absorbency and weight, are all crucial. This print is an object that speaks of a specific moment in European history. It reflects the social and cultural context of the Palace of Versailles as a center of power and leisure. The very act of creating and distributing such prints involved a complex network of labor, from the production of paper and ink, to the skilled work of the engraver and the colorist. Considering the materials, the making, and the context is crucial to understanding its full meaning.