Portrait of Charles-Gaspard-Guillaume de Vintimille, Archbishop of Paris 1736

This print of Charles-Gaspard-Guillaume de Vintimille, Archbishop of Paris, was created by Claude Drevet, using the technique of engraving. This is a skilled intaglio process, involving cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then using a press to transfer the image to paper. Look closely, and you'll see the extraordinary level of detail that Drevet achieved through this painstaking method. The textures of the Archbishop’s robes, the folds of the drapery, and even the individual hairs of his wig are all meticulously rendered. Engraving was a highly valued craft in its own right, often practiced by specialists who weren't necessarily considered "artists" in the modern sense. But, it's clear that Drevet brought immense artistry to bear. Prints like this one played an important role in circulating images and ideas in the pre-photographic era. They also testify to a highly developed division of labor, connecting the skills of the artist with the labor of the engraver. It reminds us that art making is always a collaborative enterprise, embedded in social and economic relationships.