Pedal-Mill (Plate I) 1762

"Pedal-Mill (Plate I)" is an engraving by Denis Diderot, from 1762. This intricate print depicts a scene of a factory, showcasing laborers using a pedal-powered mill. The image also offers a detailed technical diagram of the mill itself, including its various components and workings. This artwork is a testament to Diderot's interest in both the practical application of technology and the social conditions of labor, embodying themes central to the Enlightenment period. The print is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.