Onderdelen van koets before 1800

This print, "Onderdelen van koets", depicts various components of a carriage design, rendered through the detailed technique of etching. The anonymous artist employed a metal plate, likely copper, using acid to bite the design into its surface, allowing for intricate lines and textures. Notice how the material qualities of the print—the fineness of the lines, the subtle gradations of tone—influence our perception of the ornate carriage details. This print served not merely as art, but as a crucial step in a production process, a blueprint for skilled artisans. The design elements, from the royal crests to the mythical griffins, speak to the social status and aspirations of the carriage's intended owner. The amount of labor involved, from the initial design to the carving and assembly of the actual carriage, underscores the value placed on craftsmanship and the patronage systems of the time. By focusing on its materials, making process and cultural context, we can appreciate how this print blurs the boundaries between art, design, and social history.