Bacchus en Ariadne 1675 - 1727

Claude Duflos made this print, "Bacchus and Ariadne," sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, using a technique called engraving. This is an intaglio printmaking process, in which lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The material qualities of an engraving are striking: think of the sharp, precise lines and the fine details that Duflos was able to achieve. The process demands a deliberate hand, using tools like burins or gravers to carve the image into the metal. This isn't a quick or spontaneous technique. It requires planning, skill, and labor, all of which are embedded in the final print. Engraving was also a crucial medium for disseminating images and ideas, making it a powerful tool in a pre-digital age. This print, like many others, helped to circulate classical themes and stories, shaping cultural tastes and knowledge. So when we look at this print, we're seeing not just a mythological scene, but also the imprint of labor, the circulation of ideas, and the craft of engraving itself.