Veiling van relieken te Avignon before 1818

This print of an auction in Avignon, was made by Thomas Rowlandson using etching and watercolor. The material qualities of the etching process lend themselves well to social satire, as seen here. The incisive lines, bitten into the metal plate with acid, allow for meticulous detail and sharp characterizations. Rowlandson then applied watercolor washes, adding depth and highlights to his composition, and enriching the scene with an additional layer of color and vibrancy. Looking at the making of this print, we can see how the tools, the traditions, and the skills of Rowlandson shaped the final image. The lines and marks he created with the etching needle, and the hues he applied with his brush, all contribute to a narrative about labor, politics, and consumption. The work is not just a depiction of an event, but a commentary on the society that produced it. Ultimately, this satirical artwork reminds us that materials, processes, and social context are crucial to understanding art, challenging any rigid distinction between fine art and craft.