11353 Robert Bénard (1734–1777) – Technical Study of an Indigo Factory – Engraving (18th Century)
"Indigoterie" presents a detailed architectural and mechanical overview of an eighteenth-century indigo processing facility. The upper portion of the plate illustrates the landscape and exterior structures, including a well with a counterweighted sweep, a drying shed, and the series of stepped vats used for fermenting and settling the dye. The lower section provides a vertical cross-section, meticulously detailing the internal drainage and filtration systems required for the production of indigo. The work is rendered with the exacting technical precision and fine hatching characteristic of high-quality Enlightenment-era documentation. This copper engraving was produced for the "Recueil de Planches" of the Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, the monumental project edited by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert.
Robert Bénard was a highly skilled French engraver who specialized in technical and scientific illustrations, eventually directing the engraving department for the Diderot Encyclopédie. He was renowned for his ability to clarify complex industrial processes and mechanical systems through precise visual formats. His output was prolific, contributing thousands of plates to the most significant intellectual publications of the late eighteenth century in Paris. Bénard's precise technique defined the standard for educational illustration during this period, leaving a definitive visual record of Enlightenment-era technology and human knowledge.
Artist or Maker: Robert Bénard.
Dimensions: Approximately 29 cm x 22 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: (18th Century).
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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