11352 Robert Bénard (1734–1777) – Technical Study of a Stone Sawing Windmill – Engraving (18th Century)
"Moulin à scier les Pierres en dalles" presents a detailed architectural and mechanical cross-section of a windmill specifically designed for sawing stone into slabs. The work illustrates the internal drive system, featuring a large vertical shaft driven by the exterior sails, which powers a series of mechanical linkages and saws located at the base of the structure. The engraving 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 mechanical systems and scientific data through precise visual formats, contributing thousands of plates to the most significant intellectual publications of the late eighteenth century. His work set the standard for specialized educational illustration in Paris, meticulously documenting the industrial and artistic crafts of his era. Bénard's legacy remains 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.
| Värdering | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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