Titelprent voor een serie van twaalf ontwerpen voor fonteinen c. 1725 - 1750

This print, made by Gabriel Huquier, is an announcement for a series of fountain designs. The linear quality comes from the etching process. A metal plate, likely copper, would have been coated with a waxy ground. The artist then scratched an image into the ground, exposing the metal. When the plate was immersed in acid, lines were etched wherever the metal was bare. The longer the acid bath, the deeper and darker the lines. Once cleaned, the plate was inked, and then pressed against paper. Notice the graphic language, it’s precise, each line carefully placed to delineate form and texture. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about practical communication, to inspire and to sell. Etchings like these played a key role in disseminating design ideas to craftsmen and patrons alike, influencing production, taste, and commerce. This piece reminds us that even the most decorative arts have a grounding in labor, politics, and consumption.