Rouen 1884

This is "Rouen," an etching made by Maxime Lalanne in 19th-century France. Lalanne was a printmaker who specialized in urban landscapes. He aimed to elevate etching to the status of fine art, critiquing the traditional hierarchy of the art world. In this etching, Lalanne positions us on the outskirts of Rouen, looking toward the city's skyline. Rouen was an important economic and religious center, and the architecture symbolizes the power of the church and state. However, Lalanne’s technique also captures the changing face of France, with new industrial technologies and urbanization, reflecting the complex social transformations of 19th-century France. To understand Lalanne’s work, we can consult sources like exhibition reviews, art criticism, and publications by the artist himself. By examining the institutional and social context, we recognize the power of art to reflect and engage with social change.