De Franse dwerg Madame Palatinelle, ca. 1710 1705 - 1715

Around 1710, Martin Engelbrecht made this print depicting Madame Palatinelle, using etching and engraving techniques on paper. The process begins with cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper to transfer the image. Finally, the print was hand-colored, bringing the flamboyant figure to life. The material qualities of the print—the fineness of the etched lines, the texture of the paper, and the vibrant colors—all contribute to its appeal. Prints like this were produced in multiples, using a mode of production that made images more widely accessible, indicative of a shift towards mass consumption. The fashion-obsessed figure depicted here, with her elaborate hairstyle, and voluminous skirt, highlights the labor-intensive nature of high fashion, from the making of textiles to the construction of garments. Looking at this print, we can appreciate how materials, making, and social context intertwine to give artworks their full meaning. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and calls attention to the world of labor and consumption.