Vaas met meermannen 1729 - 1737

This print of a vase with mermen was made by Gabriel Huquier, sometime in the 18th century, using etching and engraving. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image. Each line was manually incised into a metal plate, a testament to the engraver’s skill. The printmaking process, while allowing for reproduction, still required meticulous handwork. The vase is adorned with mermen, mythical creatures that lend a touch of the fantastical, reflecting the Baroque and Rococo periods’ love for ornate and elaborate designs. However, this wasn't just about aesthetics; it was also about commerce. Note "avec Privilege du Roy," a mark of royal endorsement, allowing Huquier to produce and sell his prints under the protection of the monarchy, indicating the intersection of art, power, and economic privilege. By examining the printmaking process, and the systems of labor and patronage that surrounded it, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural value.