Children's Games (Jeux des Enfants) 1731

Bernard Lepicié made this print, "Children’s Games" in the 18th century, using engraving to create a scene of children at play. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a metal plate, here likely copper. The engraver uses a tool called a burin to carve lines into the plate, which are then filled with ink and printed onto paper. The quality of the line, and the fineness of the details, depended on the engraver's skill and the quality of the tools. The image reveals the trappings of wealth and status in the 18th century, with children dressed in fine clothes and playing at adult activities. Note the arrangement of space and objects, revealing social and cultural significance by showing details of everyday life. The children's games reflect the values and customs of the time, mirroring the behavior of the upper classes. Understanding the materials and making of this print gives us a richer understanding of its historical and cultural context, while also making us think about labor, class, and the way images are disseminated.