Le petit chien 

This print, "Le petit chien," by an anonymous artist, presents a scene of leisure, and hints at the modes of production that allowed such a life of luxury to exist. The use of printmaking suggests a move towards reproducibility. The image would have been made through laborious processes: engraving, etching, or a similar method of incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper, a process developed in the 15th century. The controlled lines are used to show the soft and fine linen of the bed hangings, the delicate gowns, and the plush pillows, contrasting the rigid architecture surrounding the bed. It captures a moment of playful interaction with the dog, amidst a scene of privileged idleness. The artist offers us a glimpse into the world of the wealthy, sustained by the labor of others and the circulation of wealth and goods. This reminds us that the story of art is always connected to broader social and economic realities.