Triomfboog uit palmbladeren met Parnassus bij de Fontaine Saint-Germain te Parijs 1662

Jean Lepautre made this print of a triumphal arch in Paris sometime in the 17th century. It’s made using engraving, a printmaking technique that relies on the precision cutting of lines into a metal plate. The image shows a temporary structure made for a festival or celebration. It’s an arch made of palm leaves and other foliage, with figures from classical mythology perched on top. Lepautre’s skill is evident in the level of detail he achieves, from the delicate rendering of leaves to the subtle gradations of light and shadow. Engraving was a laborious, skilled process, demanding careful planning and execution. In its time, printmaking was a way of disseminating images widely, allowing people to experience art and architecture, even if they couldn't travel to see them in person. By focusing on the artistry and labor involved in creating this image, we recognize the true value of the work. The print represents how even ephemeral structures can gain permanence through the skilled application of human craft.