Twee friezen 1820

Charles Pierre Joseph Normand created this print, Twee friezen, using etching techniques. The incised lines of the design, made by a needle dragged through a wax ground on a metal plate, give the image a delicacy and precision. The material effect is one of clean, graphic elegance. The neat lines and careful composition give a classical feel, in keeping with the late 18th century context in which it was made. But this isn't just a work of art; it’s a demonstration of skill, and a means to disseminate design. Prints like these, widely circulated, allowed artisans to pick up on the latest styles, to meet the demands of wealthy patrons. This image reflects the cultural context in which the concept of "design" began to emerge, tied to industrial production and consumption. And by blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and design, this print invites us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of making.