Diverses Pieces de Serruriers, page 8 (recto)

This print, made around 1700 by Jean Berain, shows designs for metalwork, specifically locksmithing. It’s an etching, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, probably iron or copper, and printed. Look closely and you'll see a wealth of ornamental details: scrolling foliage, cherubic figures, and floral motifs, all surrounding a prominent keyhole. These designs weren't conceived as "art" in the modern sense but were meant as patterns for artisans to follow. Locksmiths, part of a vast network of skilled tradespeople, would translate Berain's designs into physical objects. The act of making involved a deep understanding of materials, tools, and techniques. The print is part of a larger story about the production of luxury goods in the early modern period. It prompts us to consider the often-overlooked contributions of skilled labor in shaping our material world. By appreciating the craft and context of works like this, we can challenge the traditional divide between art and design.