Gezicht op de Porte Saint-Martin te Parijs 1745 - 1775

Jean-François Daumont made this print of the Porte Saint-Martin in Paris using etching and engraving techniques, and then added watercolor for colour. The printmaking process is quite labor intensive. First, the image would have been incised into a copper plate. This requires considerable skill. The plate is then inked, and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Note the crisp lines and intricate details, achieved through careful manipulation of the engraving tools. Finally, the application of watercolor adds depth and enhances the visual appeal. Each print is therefore touched by hand, meaning no two are exactly the same. Printmaking played a crucial role in disseminating information and imagery, catering to a growing market for affordable art. This particular print not only showcases the architectural marvel of the Porte Saint-Martin, but it also provides insight into the social fabric of 18th-century Paris, with its bustling streets and fashionable citizens. Paying attention to materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the true essence of the artwork.