Trade Card for Squire and Warwick, Printers 1700 - 1800

This trade card for Squire and Warwick, Printers, was made with ink on paper by an anonymous artist. It testifies to the importance of printmaking in the 18th century. The flowing lines of the ink create a dynamic scene, where nature and commerce intertwine. The image depicts a scroll unfurled against a rustic backdrop, advertising the printers' services. Notice how the artist skillfully uses washes to create depth, texture, and shadow, giving the impression of looking at a real landscape, a seemingly natural, wild place that is juxtaposed with the world of industry. This card speaks volumes about the skilled craftsmanship and the labor involved in the printing trade. In this time, print was the primary means of mass communication and crucial to the functioning of commerce and society. Each card was a miniature advertisement but also a demonstration of the printer's artistry and technical capabilities. By valuing the techniques and materials employed, we gain insight into the economic and social context of its creation. The card invites us to reconsider the perceived hierarchy between fine art and the everyday objects that shape our lives.