Gezicht op een plein in Milaan 1812 - 1814

Louis Lecoeur made this print, 'View of a Square in Milan', using etching and engraving. These are intaglio printmaking techniques, where an image is incised into a metal plate, and ink is held in these recessed lines. When paper is pressed against the plate, the image transfers. The precision required for this method is evident in the fine details, from the architectural rendering of the buildings to the figures populating the square. Notice the textures created by the different engraving techniques, giving depth to the buildings and atmosphere to the sky. Printmaking allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible. In this way, it documents not only a specific place but also the rise of visual culture during this period. The work involved in its production – from the engraver's skill to the printing process itself – reflects a broader shift towards industrialization and the commodification of images. In considering this print, we must appreciate how its material and making contribute to its cultural significance, bridging the gap between fine art and craft.