c.1700s Original Intaglio book plate print, by Bent Fecit, illustrator for Plate depicting "Verrerie en bois" (glass making) from Diderot & d'Alembert Encyclopedia "Often called one of the greatest works of the Enlightenment and the 18th century, Diderot & d'Alembert's Encyclopedia was as much a political work as an academic exercise. Inspired by the Cyclopaedia of Ephraim Chambers (first published 1728), they set out to create the first Encyclopaedia for France and in the French language. The resulting effort was a magnum opus of 17 volumes of text published over 15 years with a total of over 71,000 articles. Diderot & d'Alembert contributed to many of the articles, but they also surrounded themselves with many of the philosophers and luminaries of the time. The work was revolutionary in scope and political as well. The publication of the Encyclopedie survived several attempts of stoppage via censorship attempts by the Catholic church, plagiarism complaints and even the removal of Royal license at one point." (internet search). A fabulous framed book plate print, intaglio printing process (metal plate, hand-inked, run through press - arduous process!). The subject of this old illustration for industry is of the processes of glass works, "verrier". Would be fabulous hung in your wine cellar, wouldn't it, since the one image is the prep for bottle-making.
The old print would date 1700s. It has been hand colored in watercolor and framed in a much later frame and nicely matted. Ready to hang. The outer measurement is 19.5" tall, 23" wide and 5/8" in depth. Print is 17.5" x 14" as you see it. Framed and glazed, paper-backed, ready to hang.
