{"product_id":"antique-18th-century-diderot-encyclopedie-engraving-art-decrire-writing-framed","title":"Diderot Encyclopédie - Art d'Ecrire","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"125\" data-end=\"267\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"125\" data-end=\"213\"\u003eDiderot \u0026amp; d’Alembert’s \u003cem data-start=\"150\" data-end=\"164\"\u003eEncyclopédie\u003c\/em\u003e — \u003cem data-start=\"167\" data-end=\"181\"\u003eArt d’Ecrire\u003c\/em\u003e (The Art of Writing), Plate 2, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"216\" data-end=\"267\"\u003eOriginal 18th-Century Engraving, c.1763, Framed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"269\" data-end=\"776\"\u003eAn original 18th-century copperplate engraving on laid paper from Charles Paillasson’s celebrated handwriting manual \u003cem data-start=\"394\" data-end=\"410\"\u003eL’Art d’Ecrire\u003c\/em\u003e, issued around 1763 as part of Diderot and d’Alembert’s \u003cem data-start=\"473\" data-end=\"551\"\u003eEncyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers\u003c\/em\u003e. The plate depicts a gentleman seated at his writing desk within an elegant interior, while the lower register illustrates quill pens, an inkwell and stand, a pounce box, and the correct hand positions for holding a quill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"1232\"\u003eThe composition follows the characteristic format used throughout the \u003cem data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"862\"\u003eEncyclopédie\u003c\/em\u003e plate volumes, combining a larger vignette of practice or setting above with carefully observed studies of tools and technique below. This union of clarity, elegance, and practical instruction is one of the defining qualities of the \u003cem data-start=\"1096\" data-end=\"1110\"\u003eEncyclopédie\u003c\/em\u003e’s engraved plates, which remain among the most visually compelling records of 18th-century intellectual and working life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1234\" data-end=\"1657\"\u003eThe engraving was produced under the direction of Jacques Renaud Benard (1731–1794), whose inscription “Benard direx.” appears in the plate. This indicates the supervision of his atelier rather than necessarily his own hand alone. Benard was one of the most prolific engravers associated with the \u003cem data-start=\"1539\" data-end=\"1553\"\u003eEncyclopédie\u003c\/em\u003e, contributing extensively to one of the most important publishing projects of the French Enlightenment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1659\" data-end=\"2145\"\u003eAs both a work of graphic art and a document of cultural history, the plate has particular appeal. Paillasson devoted his career to the art of writing and calligraphy, and this engraving reflects the period’s concern with refinement, education, and the dignified presentation of skilled practice. The subject makes it especially suitable for a study, library, or desk setting, while the quality of the engraving and its strong historical context give it enduring collector interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2357\"\u003ePresented in a substantial glazed gilt frame with a deep green mount, this is a handsome and well-preserved example of an original \u003cem data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2292\"\u003eEncyclopédie\u003c\/em\u003e plate — decorative, historically significant, and ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"3020\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2370\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2373\"\u003eTitle: \u003cem data-start=\"2384\" data-end=\"2398\"\u003eArt d’Ecrire\u003c\/em\u003e (The Art of Writing), Plate 2\u003cbr data-start=\"2428\" data-end=\"2431\"\u003eMedium: Copperplate engraving on laid paper\u003cbr data-start=\"2478\" data-end=\"2481\"\u003eEngraver: Atelier of Jacques Renaud Benard (French, 1731–1794), signed in plate \u003cem data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2580\"\u003eBenard direx.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2583\"\u003eAfter: Charles Paillasson (French, 1718–1789)\u003cbr data-start=\"2632\" data-end=\"2635\"\u003eDate: c.1763\u003cbr data-start=\"2651\" data-end=\"2654\"\u003ePlate size: 23 × 16 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2680\" data-end=\"2683\"\u003eFramed size: 56.5 × 46 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2712\" data-end=\"2715\"\u003eCondition: Good overall condition. Light age toning to the paper, consistent with an 18th-century work. No visible foxing, tears, or losses to the image area. The engraving remains crisp, with fine detail well preserved.\u003cbr data-start=\"2939\" data-end=\"2942\"\u003eFrame: Substantial glazed gilt frame with deep green mount. Ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3022\" data-end=\"3112\"\u003eThis is a genuine original 18th-century engraving, not a modern print or reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"63Arts Edinburgh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53563944042837,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1038\/7170\/9525\/files\/The_Art_of_Writing_Inner_Plate_IG.jpg?v=1774901085","url":"https:\/\/63arts.co.uk\/products\/antique-18th-century-diderot-encyclopedie-engraving-art-decrire-writing-framed","provider":"63Arts Edinburgh","version":"1.0","type":"link"}