Gezicht op het Place des Victoires te Parijs, 1726 1726

This print, depicting the Place des Victoires in Paris, was made by Laurens Scherm in 1726, using etching. This intaglio printmaking technique involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The Place des Victoires, built to honor King Louis XIV, embodies power, class, and politics, here captured through the etcher’s skilled labor. The sharp lines and fine details showcase the artistry and time-consuming work involved in creating this image of power and glory. Look closely, and you'll see the intricate architecture, the statue of the king, and the figures populating the square – all rendered through a network of etched lines. The print invites us to consider the relationship between art, craft, and social context, blurring the lines between them, by showing an urban space that performs power. Scherm's print is a testament to the skilled labor that underpins artistic production and the wider culture of consumption.