The Chapel of the Enfants-Trouvés in Paris: Le Roi mage Balthazar et sa suite 1752

Etienne Fessard created this print, 'The Chapel of the Enfants-Trouvés in Paris: Le Roi mage Balthazar et sa suite', using engraving. The composition is striking, dominated by the imposing figure of Balthazar, one of the three kings. His presence is emphasized by the way the lines create depth, with figures receding into the background and converging towards a vanishing point near the center. The artist uses a semiotic system of signs. Balthazar's dark skin challenges fixed meanings around race and representation within the context of 18th-century European art. His regal attire and the gifts he bears contrast with the humble setting. The ladder is a visual metaphor, perhaps suggesting a bridge between earthly and divine realms. Notice the texture achieved through intricate line work, creating tonal variations that suggest both light and shadow. It's an aesthetic choice, yes, but also a commentary on power, perception, and the destabilization of established values. Art, you see, is never just about what is depicted, but how it is depicted and what that says about our world.