Ink Seller

Art Historical Context

Created in 1746, *Ink Seller* is a collaborative print by François Joullain, Anne Claude Philippe de Tubières (comte de Caylus), and Edme Bouchardon. This etching with some engraving captures a moment of everyday commerce, showing men carrying baskets in what appears to be a street scene. The work belongs to the rich tradition of 18th-century French printmaking, when artists often worked together to produce images that documented ordinary life. The combination of etching and engraving allowed for both fluid lines and precise details, making the print suitable for wider distribution. Such works helped bring scenes of vendors and daily activities to a broader audience beyond the wealthy collectors who could afford paintings. Measuring roughly 9 by 7 inches, the sheet size suggests it was designed for personal collections or albums. Today housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, *Ink Seller* offers a glimpse into the period’s interest in genre subjects. The image reflects the era’s fascination with representing the rhythms of urban life through accessible graphic media.