Standing male angel holding drapery and standing over a ram; allegory of Spring; after bas-relief on Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons (Paris) 1745 - 1800

This print of a sculpture, made by an anonymous artist, uses etching to bring forth the allegory of Spring. The print translates the stone carving into a network of fine lines, exploiting the way that a metal plate can hold ink in its etched recesses. The depth of the lines determine the darkness of the printed image. The sculptor would have directly shaped the stone, whereas the printmaker worked indirectly, drawing into the metal plate, bathing it in acid, and then running it through a press. The original sculpture, part of a fountain, was public art, meant to elevate the everyday experience of Parisians. This print democratizes it even further, making it accessible to collectors far beyond the fountain's location. Paying attention to the materials and processes involved helps us appreciate not only the artist's technical skill, but also how social values are embedded within the work.