Winter 1720 - 1760

This print, "Winter," was made in the 17th century by Gilles Rousselet, using the intaglio process. This means the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with fine lines and then filled with ink to create the impression on paper. Look closely and you can see the effects of this technique: the intricate detail in the figure's lace collar and the precise rendering of the interior space. The lines create subtle tonal variations, giving depth and texture to the scene. Consider the labor involved in this process: the skill of the engraver, the time spent meticulously carving the plate. Prints like this were luxury items that served as a way to disseminate imagery to a wider audience, connecting craft, aesthetics, and commerce. The choice of intaglio speaks to a wider social context; it provided a way for skilled artisans to reproduce and distribute images, contributing to a growing culture of visual communication. Appreciating this print means recognizing the interplay between material, skill, and social purpose.