The Fire 1735 - 1745

Pierre Alexandre Aveline created this print called ‘The Fire’ sometime in the 18th century. Etching, the process by which this image was made, involves coating a metal plate with wax, scratching a design into it, and then bathing it in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating lines that hold ink. Consider the labor involved here: the meticulous work of drawing through the wax, the skilled application of acid, and the final printing. This image is not just a picture, it's a record of skilled handwork and a reflection of cultural exchange in the 1700s. The image depicts two men, likely intended to represent Chinese figures, engaged in a tea ceremony. The scene is filled with intriguing details: a smiling Buddha figure presides over the scene, while various vessels hang from a makeshift rack. The very subject of this etching speaks to global trade and the European fascination with the East. By attending to the materials and processes behind this print, we gain a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural context, appreciating the artistry and craftsmanship involved.