Twee cartouches 1747 - 1759

Joseph Huber made these two cartouches sometime in the 18th century, using etching on paper. The material itself, paper, immediately tells us that this wasn't intended as a luxury object, like a painting for the wall. But neither was it ephemeral; prints like this one were made to last. Notice the etched lines, forming delicate swirling patterns and foliage. This kind of detail required the artist to apply ink to a metal plate, and then transfer the image by applying pressure. Designs like these weren't meant to be admired in a museum. Instead, they were pattern templates for other artisans: perhaps a woodcarver making furniture, or a plasterer decorating a grand interior. They were part of a burgeoning design culture at the time, when even the most humble household object was conceived with close attention to fashionable taste. Next time you see an ornament like this, remember the printmaker behind the scenes, who laboured to give even everyday objects a touch of artistic flair.