Combat de la Louange et de la Satire 1633 - 1676

François Chauveau created this print, "Combat de la Louange et de la Satire," using etching, a printmaking technique involving biting lines into a metal plate with acid to hold ink. The controlled, precise lines capture a bird’s-eye view of a battle formation, with opposing forces labeled as virtues and vices. The evenness of the etched lines, requiring both technical skill and physical labor, mirrors the orderly arrangement of troops. Printmaking allowed for multiples of this image to be produced, making it accessible to a wide audience. This print thus acts as a kind of diagram. It is not a depiction of conflict so much as a meditation on moral forces, the ‘combat’ in the title referring more to the kind of social pressure which, in the 17th century, was beginning to replace literal armed struggle. This shift coincided with the rise of early capitalism, where persuasion and ‘good reputation’ are crucial for success. Ultimately, the material and process here are inextricably linked to the artwork’s social context, challenging us to consider the labor, politics, and consumption intertwined with artistic production.