In this period in history the art of printmaking became an object of trade and power. Louis XIV installed a royal workshop, where printmaking was used to contribute to the splendour of the king. In the 17th century the colourengraving emerged, as well as aquatint and mezzotint.
Francisco de Goya (1746-1828) started making prints after his fiftiest birthday. He used printmaking especially as a reproduction technique to reach a large public.
In the 18th century prints became of importance as house decoration and in the same time the fashion print developed.
The arrival of photograpgy and photomechanical processes in the 19th century were a great challenge for the role of printmaking. In this difficult period in time François Charbonnel, chemist and pharmacist, started production of "inks for intaglio and lithographic varnishes". Many artists regard in that period printmaking as an important medium for artistical expression. Impressionists like Pissaro, Degas, Manet en Renoir make prints that are printed by Leblanc in het studio at rue St-]acques. Leblanc was in that time the most important customer of Charbonnel. |