Napoleon and Josephine Visiting the Studio of David, January 4, 1808 1815 - 1835

Charles Motte created this print depicting Napoleon and Josephine's visit to Jacques-Louis David’s studio on January 4, 1808. It is made of etching and engraving on paper, processes that use sharp tools to incise lines on a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Consider how Motte used these techniques to capture not only the scene but also the texture and atmosphere of the studio. The precision of the engraving allows for detailed rendering of the figures and the Neoclassical architecture, while the etching provides softer tones, creating depth and volume, and modulating the light. The print suggests an interesting relationship between art, power, and production. Engravings like these were more than just art; they were tools of propaganda, circulating images of Napoleon's imperial grandeur to a wider audience. This print documents the labor involved in producing both paintings and political images, raising questions about the relationship between artistic skill, political agenda, and public perception. It makes you think about the amount of work involved in the production process, tying into wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption.