La Marchande a la Toilette c. 18th century

This print, "La Marchande a la Toilette," was made by Gerard Vidal sometime in the late 18th century using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then transferring the image to paper. The fine lines and subtle gradations of tone are achieved through careful manipulation of the tools and chemicals. Look closely at the details of the clothing, the ornate furniture, and the architectural setting. The print captures a scene of aristocratic life, a moment of leisure and consumption. Consider the labor involved, not just in the making of the print, but also in the production of the goods depicted within it. The elaborate garments, the luxurious furnishings, all speak to a system of production that relied on the labor of many, often unseen, hands. By focusing on the material processes behind this image, we can begin to unpack the social and economic context in which it was made.