Huwelijk van Bacchus en Ariadne 1717 - 1796

Jean Michel Liotard created this print, "Huwelijk van Bacchus en Ariadne," using etching – a process where lines are incised into a metal plate, inked, and then transferred to paper. The visual qualities of this print hinge on the artist’s mastery of the etching process. The crisp lines and delicate shading define form and convey texture, from the draped fabric to the figures' skin. Etching allowed Liotard to create multiple copies of this image, making it accessible to a wider audience, and feeding a growing market for decorative prints. However, the process involves significant labor. The artist had to prepare the metal plate, carefully incise the design, and oversee the printing. Consider the skilled craftsmanship involved, a combination of technical expertise and artistic vision. This print, therefore, is a product of both artistic skill and a sophisticated system of production and distribution, reflecting the economic realities of the 18th century.