Concave Lozenge-shaped Panel and Grotesque Figures 1620 - 1630

This plate with grotesque figures was made by Noël Rouillard, likely in the early 17th century, using engraving. An engraver carves lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper, resulting in the delicate yet precise lines we see here. The visual impact of this print comes from the sharp contrast between the black ink and the white paper. Rouillard's skill is evident in the detailed rendering of the figures and the intricate patterns within the lozenge. Each line has been carefully considered, contributing to the overall design. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, this print speaks to a specific moment in the history of printmaking. The medium allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, and the dissemination of design ideas. Prints like these were often used as source material for artisans working in other media, such as ceramics, textiles or metalwork. Rouillard's image is a testament to the power of the medium to democratize design, and shows how categories of fine art and craft have always been interwoven.