Trade Card for Burchett, Engraver and Printer 1700 - 1800

This trade card for Burchett, an engraver and printer, is an intriguing example of commercial art from a time when such things were often elaborate and allegorical. The visual codes at play here are fascinating. Made in England, the card uses classical figures and motifs—a cherubic figure, a pastoral scene, and references to the arts—to elevate the status of Burchett's business. The design connects his craft to a lineage of artistic and intellectual production. The lion with the crown, horn, and laurel may be a sign that the engraver also does heraldry work. The institutional history of printmaking and engraving in England is crucial to understanding this card. Burchett is marketing himself in a competitive market. This trade card serves as a sign of his aspirations and the cultural values he hopes to embody. Historians can use sources like trade directories, guild records, and examples of printed ephemera to piece together the social and economic context of this image. Understanding its original setting helps us appreciate the role of art in shaping identity and commerce.