Boekdrukkunst en grafiek 1768 - 1771

Jean Charles Delafosse made this print, "Boekdrukkunst en grafiek," sometime in the 1700s. The printmaking process, which we can see referenced here, involves meticulously carving an image into a surface, applying ink, and then pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you'll see how the dense concentration of fine lines creates areas of shadow and depth, while the untouched paper forms highlights. Printmaking allowed for the wide distribution of images, fueling the spread of knowledge and ideas during the Enlightenment. What's fascinating is the way Delafosse elevates these processes, printing and engraving, by associating them with classical motifs. This speaks to a growing recognition of the intellectual and cultural value of these trades. It challenges the traditional hierarchy that separated the so-called "fine arts" from more practical crafts. By emphasizing the skill and artistry involved, Delafosse asks us to reconsider what we value as high art.