Titelprent voor de Koninklijke Almanach van 1701 1706

This is the title page for the Koninklijke Almanach van 1701, printed in Paris. Its creation involved several distinct processes, each requiring specialized skills. The design was first conceived and then meticulously engraved onto a copper plate, a labor-intensive process demanding precision. The engraved plate was then inked, and paper pressed against it to transfer the image. This intaglio printing method results in a slightly raised texture, a testament to the physical pressure involved. The work highlights the contrast between the skilled labor of the engraver and printer, and the political messaging regarding a predictable and just royalty. The choice of printmaking speaks to a moment when printed matter was increasingly important in disseminating information and asserting power. The Almanach served not only as a calendar, but also as a medium for projecting royal authority, using the relatively novel technology of mass production to reinforce a social hierarchy.