Titelprent voor de serie platen van de statiekoets van de hertog van Ossuna, 1713 1714

This elaborate print was made by Bernard Picart in 1713, and it's all about lines. He used the intaglio process, where lines are incised into a metal plate, and then filled with ink. The paper is pressed against the plate, drawing the ink out to create the image. What makes this print interesting is the way the lines describe texture, weight, and form. See how the heavy drapes are rendered with dense, almost parallel strokes? This is a highly skilled tradition, demanding complete control of the burin - the tool used to make the cuts. Prints like these reflect a culture of consumption and the market for images in 18th century Europe. This wasn't just fine art; it was a commodity, made possible by skilled labor and an increasingly sophisticated economy. Recognizing this helps us understand the full meaning of the artwork.