The Five Senses 1720 - 1770

Francois Boucher made this print, called "The Five Senses," using etching and engraving techniques. These are printmaking processes where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the intricate network of lines that create the image. Boucher's choice of these methods speaks to the print's purpose: to circulate imagery widely. Prints like this one made art accessible to a broader audience, beyond the wealthy elite who could afford original paintings. The image's fine lines contribute to the delicate details, like the figures' robes and the foliage, enhancing the sense of exoticism typical of the Rococo period. Consider the labor involved; the careful etching and engraving required skilled hands and time. The resulting prints, though, could be produced relatively quickly and in large numbers. This reflects the beginnings of a shift toward more widespread visual culture. By appreciating the printmaking process, we can understand how art was disseminated and consumed in the 18th century, blurring the lines between art, craft, and industry.