Architecte Armenien, plate 88 from "Recueil de cent estampes représentent differentes nations du Levant" 1714 - 1715

This print, "Armenian Architect", was created by Jean Baptiste Vanmour, likely in the early 18th century, as part of a series documenting different nations of the Levant. Its medium is etching, a printmaking technique that relies on acid to 'bite' lines into a metal plate. The inherent qualities of etching allow for fine detail, as we see in the depiction of the figure's clothing and facial features. Vanmour would have drawn his composition through a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then submerged the plate in acid. The longer the plate is exposed, the deeper the lines. This painstaking process allowed for tonal variation, essential for conveying the texture and weight of the architect's garments. The print reflects a Western fascination with the 'exotic' cultures of the East. Though it's a depiction, it’s also a product of labor – from the artist's hand to the printer's workshop. Appreciating this print means recognizing the intersection of artistic skill, cultural exchange, and the modes of production that brought it into being.