Titelblad: Nouveau livre de chenet et autres ouvrages d'orfevrerie 1669 - 1693

This print, made by Jean Cotelle in Paris, showcases designs for metalwork, specifically andirons - those metal supports for logs in a fireplace. The technique used here is engraving, where lines are cut into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. Notice the intricate details of the designs, from the cherubic figures to the floral garlands, and the grotesque masks. The image gives us insight into the artistic and skilled traditions required to produce luxury metalwork during that time. Prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating designs and driving consumption. They allowed artisans and patrons to visualize and select the latest styles, influencing the production of decorative arts across Europe. The very existence of this print highlights the rising importance of design as a commodity. It reminds us that even seemingly functional objects were laden with cultural significance and symbolic value.