Beweging van Mercurius en Venus rond de Zon 1706

This print, "Beweging van Mercurius en Venus rond de Zon", was made by Sébastien Leclerc I in the late 17th or early 18th century, using the technique of etching. The stark lines are characteristic of this process. The artist would have coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratched away lines with a sharp needle. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed metal, creating grooves that would hold ink. Finally, the plate was wiped clean, inked, and pressed onto paper. The print depicts a geometric representation of the movement of Mercury and Venus around the sun, reflecting the period's fascination with scientific illustration. Etching was crucial, as it allowed for the precise reproduction of detailed information. The technique democratized the circulation of knowledge, previously confined to hand-drawn manuscripts. The social impact of such dissemination cannot be overstated. Looking at this print, we are reminded that the means of production directly influence the spread of ideas. The etching needle, in its own way, contributed to the Enlightenment.