Tableau Général du Goût, An 7, No. 7 (23 okt. 1798): Jeune femme pinçant de la guitarre 1798

Laurent Guyot created this print, "Young Woman Plucking a Guitar," in France around 1798 using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production at the time. The method involves coating a metal plate with wax, scratching an image into it, then submerging the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, allowing for the creation of a detailed design. This particular print shows a woman with a guitar, seated in an ornate chair, which speaks to the growing emphasis on leisure and culture during the late 18th century. The technique allowed for multiples to be made in a relatively short period of time, which made these images available to a wider audience, influencing fashion and taste. The etching process itself, requiring skill and precision, mirrors the artisanal craftsmanship valued during this period, even as mechanization began to transform production. Understanding this print requires us to appreciate both the artistic skill involved in its creation, and the social context that made its production and consumption possible.