Arrival of the Comedians n.d.

Jean-Baptiste Oudry made this print, Arrival of the Comedians, using etching and engraving. These processes involve covering a metal plate with a waxy ground, drawing an image through it to expose the metal, and then bathing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink, allowing the image to be printed. In this print, Oudry renders the scene with meticulous detail, made possible through the precise control of line inherent in the etching and engraving processes. The social commentary embedded in the artwork becomes more visible when we consider the labor involved in its creation, and the labor portrayed in it. Oudry’s printmaking skill reflects not just artistic talent, but a deep engagement with a craft tradition tied to wider issues of labor, social class, and the consumption of art in 18th-century France. By emphasizing the skill and material processes behind the print, we expand our understanding of its cultural meaning, challenging any divide between fine art and craft.