Louis XVI Entering Paris, October 6, 1789 1789

Jacques François Joseph Swebach made this print, "Louis XVI Entering Paris, October 6, 1789," using etching and engraving, then adding color. This was a reproductive medium, perfect for widely distributing images of current events. Look closely, and you’ll see the crisp lines created by the etching needle, biting into the metal plate, and the more subtle textures achieved through engraving. The added color, likely applied by hand, enlivens the scene, but also speaks to a kind of mass production. The print medium meant that many impressions of this artwork could be made and distributed widely. The choice of printmaking as a medium is itself significant. It allowed for relatively quick reproduction and dissemination of images, catering to a growing public interest in political events. It’s a stark contrast to the unique, labourious art objects favored by the aristocracy. This print reflects a shift in power, using accessible materials and processes to engage a broader audience in the unfolding drama of the French Revolution. It reminds us that even in art, materials and making are never neutral; they carry social and political weight.