Gezicht op het Palais du Luxembourg te Parijs gezien vanaf de tuin 1729

Jacques Rigaud created this print of the Palais du Luxembourg from the garden in Paris. It's made using etching and comes alive with delicate hand-applied color. Consider the technique: etching involves coating a metal plate with wax, drawing through it to expose the metal, and then bathing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. This is then transferred to paper, resulting in a print. The hand-coloring adds another layer of craftsmanship, with careful application required to bring out the details. This kind of printmaking was a commercial enterprise, and it played a crucial role in disseminating images widely and shaping public perceptions of places like the Palais du Luxembourg. It democratized access to art. So, as you admire this print, remember the layers of labor and skill that went into its making, and how it bridged the gap between artistic creation and everyday consumption.