The Cheerful Cupids 1750

Jean Daulle created this print, "The Cheerful Cupids," sometime in the 18th century using engraving, a printing technique that was widely used in the 1700s for reproducing imagery. In this process, the artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The crisp, precise lines you see here are characteristic of engraving, allowing for a high level of detail. The texture is determined by the artist’s hand, how deeply they incise the plate, and the pressure applied during printing. During this period, printmaking allowed for the wide dissemination of images, catering to the demands of an expanding market for art. This work’s seemingly carefree depiction of cherubic figures also speaks to the consumer culture of the era, where images of leisure and delight were highly sought after. The labor-intensive engraving process contrasts with the lighthearted subject matter, reminding us of the skilled work behind this seemingly effortless image. So, next time you see a print, remember to consider the material, the making, and the social context that brings the artwork to life.