Letter Engraving
1762/77
Medium
Etching with engraving on cream laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 33 × 21.2 cm (13 × 8 3/8 in.); Plate: 36 × 23 cm (14 3/16 × 9 1/16 in.); Sheet: 39 × 25.5 cm (15 3/8 × 10 1/16 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
148204
Art Historical Context
**Letter Engraving by Aubin (1762/77)** in the mid-to-late 18th, *Letter Engraving* by French artist Aubin exemplifies the refined printmaking techniques of the Enlightenment era. Produced as an etching with engraving on cream laid paper this work measures 33 × 21.2 cm in its image area, showcasing the precision of copperplate processes popular among European artists. Etching allowed for fluid, spontaneous lines etched into a plate with acid, while engraving added sharp, controlled details incised by hand—together creating intricate textures ideal for ornamental designs like illuminated lett...