Art of Writing, from Encyclopédie 1760

"Art of Writing" (1760) by Benoit Louis Prevost, is an etching that displays the tools and practices associated with writing in the 18th century. The image depicts a man seated at a desk with a quill pen, inkwell, and other writing implements, offering a glimpse into the tools used in a time when writing was a skilled craft. The detailed illustration of writing implements, such as quills and inkwells, presents a glimpse into the practices and artistry of the 18th century, providing a visual narrative about the techniques of writing in the pre-modern era. The "Art of Writing" engraving is part of Diderot's Encyclopédie, a groundbreaking encyclopedia that aimed to disseminate knowledge across various disciplines, highlighting the significance of writing as a vital component of intellectual and cultural advancement in the 18th century.