Palais Jacques-Cœur te Bourges 1863 - 1864

This print of the Palais Jacques-Cœur in Bourges was created by Charles de Lalaisse using etching. The etched lines define the architecture and figures. The process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drawing the image, removing the coating and exposing the metal. What we see here is an interplay between the hand of the artist and the chemical action of acid, a collaboration between intention and accident. The texture, weight, and tonal variation give the print depth. The print captures the details of the Palais, a symbol of wealth and power. Lalaisse’s work is rooted in the skilled tradition of printmaking, which historically served as a means of mass communication. Consider how the detailed rendering allows for a wider audience to access this architectural wonder. Lalaisse invites us to consider the social implications embedded in its subject and the labor involved in the printmaking itself. This challenges our perception of fine art, urging us to consider the processes behind it.