Menu voor het diner ter ere van de publicatie van het boek 'Henri Boutet graveur et pastelliste' door Leon Maillard before 1895

This menu for a dinner celebrating the publication of a book by Leon Maillard, was created in 1894 by Henri Boutet. It’s a print, likely an etching or drypoint, judging by the fine, feathery lines. Boutet has used the printing process, a relatively efficient means of production, to create what is essentially an advertisement. It is printed on paper, which is relatively cheap, making it a good medium for distributing information. The print quality gives it the air of exclusivity, but the content suggests an upper-class social gathering that wouldn't be accessible to all. The image depicts a reclining nude figure surrounded by disembodied hands, and gives a sense of the celebratory mood and the social dynamics of the event. By employing these printing methods, Boutet underscores the convergence of commerce and artistry, making this menu more than just a record of a meal, but a commentary on the cultural economy of the time.