Gebruik van de halve cirkel geïllustreerd 1690

Sébastien Leclerc I created this print, "Gebruik van de halve cirkel geïllustreerd" or "The use of the semicircle illustrated", using etching, sometime between 1652 and 1714. This technical drawing illustrates the use of semicircles in creating fortifications and architectural elements. Born in Metz, Leclerc was a master draughtsman and printmaker for Louis XIV. His designs provide insight into the period’s military engineering and architectural aesthetics, reflecting the social and political ambitions of the French monarchy during this era. The meticulous lines and geometric precision speak to the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and order. However, beyond its technical aspects, this print also hints at the human element: the labor, skill, and vision required to construct these elaborate structures. It’s a reminder that behind every grand design, there are countless stories of individuals who shaped and were shaped by these historical projects.