The Chariot of Galathee n.d.

Jean François Janinet created "The Chariot of Galathee" using etching and aquatint, which is a variation of etching used to create tonal effects, printed in color. This was a relatively new technology at the time, but the image draws from the much older tradition of classical painting. Look closely, and you can see how the etcher’s line defines the composition, while the aquatint gives a watercolor-like wash. The appeal here is of luxury and ease, appropriate to its original moment. Janinet and others like him helped to meet a growing demand for accessible images. Before photography, printed images like this one were essential for circulating visual ideas. The skilled labor to produce such a high-quality print was considerable. Yet, the print medium allowed this artistry to be made widely available, reflecting the burgeoning culture of consumption in the 18th century. It is through careful attention to the materiality and method of production that we come to a richer understanding of this image.