Altaar met een schilderij van de Aanbidding door de koningen c. 1658 - 1670

This print, depicting an altar with a painting of the Adoration of the Magi, was made by Jean Lepautre, likely sometime in the mid-17th century. As an engraving, its creation involved the careful application of etched lines onto a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. The work's aesthetic is entirely dependent on the linear precision afforded by this process. The lines create a sense of depth, texture, and detail, mimicking the ornate sculptural details of the altar. The rigid lines allow a precise control that’s totally in keeping with the architecture, suggesting a connection with technical drawing. During Lepautre’s time, printmaking was crucial for disseminating designs. While this particular image references sacred themes, it also reflects the growing integration of art and commerce. Prints were relatively affordable, allowing a wider audience to engage with sophisticated visual culture. So while it mimics a sacred space, this work ultimately invites us to consider how images circulate and influence taste.