Landschap met herders bij antieke sarcofaag 1694

Bernard Picart made this print of a landscape with shepherds, sometime around the turn of the 18th century, using etching and engraving. These are essentially reproductive media, capable of multiplying images in large numbers. Picart was a master of the line, as you can see from the incredible detail in this scene. Consider the labor that would have been involved in executing this plate: the hours spent incising the metal, rocking the etching ground, and proofing the image. In a way, the print is an index of that effort. It's easy to see that Picart was not only a virtuoso technician, but also a savvy operator in the early art market. Prints like this, made using industrial techniques, were critical for the development of modern visual culture, helping to disseminate ideas widely. This work reminds us of the importance of understanding the making of art, and its place in a larger economic context.