Gezicht op het kasteel van Saint Germain en Laye 1753

Caspar Jacobsz. Philips created this print of the castle of Saint Germain en Laye sometime in the late 18th century, using etching and engraving on paper. The printmaking process involves meticulous labor, transferring an image onto a metal plate with acid, then using that plate to produce multiple impressions on paper. This was a revolutionary technology, allowing for mass production and dissemination of images in ways previously unimaginable. Consider the level of skill required, the social impact of this medium, and how it democratized art by making it more accessible to a wider audience. While the subject matter depicts a royal palace, the print itself speaks to the rise of a new kind of visual culture – one fueled by industry, commerce, and a growing middle class. As you look at this image, think about how the intersection of art, craft, and industry shapes our understanding of the world.