De opkomst maar nog geen val van John Law, 1720 1720

This print, ‘The Rise But Not Yet The Fall of John Law,’ was made by an anonymous artist in 1720 using etching and engraving techniques. The fine, precise lines are achieved by cutting into a metal plate, likely copper, with specialized tools. Ink is then applied, and the surface is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This intaglio process allowed for the detailed depiction of John Law's story, whose failed economic policies caused turmoil in France. Prints like this were crucial for disseminating information and opinions. The choice of etching and engraving speaks to a broader context: the rise of a print culture that democratized access to images and ideas. The relative ease of reproducing images through printmaking allowed for widespread distribution, influencing public perception of Law and his financial schemes. Ultimately, the work serves as a reminder that the materials and methods of production are never neutral; they actively shape the story being told and its reception.