Twee balkons en keldergaten 1772 - 1779

Jean Pelletier made this print of balconies and cellar openings sometime in the 18th century. The etching captures architectural details. Etching is a printmaking technique using metal plates. The artist covers a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant coating, then scratches an image into that coating. After dipping the plate in acid, the exposed lines are etched into the metal. Ink fills these grooves, and then the image is transferred to paper. The print’s precision highlights the labor and skill involved in both architectural design and metalworking. We can see the careful planning required to create functional yet elegant structures, from the sturdy stone supports to the delicate ironwork of the balcony railings. Think about the social context. These architectural elements speak to the rise of urban centers and a growing emphasis on aesthetics. While seemingly functional, they also reflect social status. Pelletier’s print invites us to consider the blend of craft, design, and social aspiration embedded in everyday structures.