Triomf van Bacchus en Ariadne 1679 - 1728

This print, titled "Triomf van Bacchus en Ariadne," was made by Jean-Baptiste de Poilly in the late 17th or early 18th century. It’s an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see the crisp lines and fine details made possible by this process. The act of engraving demands precision and control, a real skill. It required years of apprenticeship to master the techniques, tools, and skilled traditions to create such a detailed design. This wasn’t just about artistic vision; it was about manual dexterity, the knowledge of materials, and the physical labor involved in bringing the image to life. Engravings like this one were often made for reproduction and distribution, allowing images to circulate widely, and playing a role in the era's visual culture. It shows how traditional distinctions between fine art and craft can be challenged by understanding the materials, making, and social context of an artwork.