The Event at the Ball, from Monument du Costume Physique et Moral de la fin du Dix-huitième siècle 1774

Antoine Jean Duclos created "The Event at the Ball" using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production in the 18th century. The rigid lines and precisely rendered details owe their existence to the engraver’s burin carefully plowing through a copper plate. The matrix of the print, in this case, a metal plate, is critical to understanding the image. Etching allowed for multiple impressions to be made, making images more accessible to a wider audience, reflecting the burgeoning print culture of the time. The fine lines and detailed textures create a world of luxury and refinement, but the printmaking process speaks to the realities of labor and production. Prints like these circulated widely, fueling the engine of consumerism and desire. Consider how this seemingly delicate print is intrinsically tied to the technologies and industries that shaped 18th-century society. It’s a testament to the power of materials and making, blurring the lines between art, craft, and commerce.