11354 Robert Bénard (1734–1777) – Processing Plant for Indigo Dye – Engraving (18th Century)
"Indigoterie" depicts the industrial process of creating indigo dye in a colonial or tropical setting. The upper portion of the composition shows a factory complex featuring a well with a counterweighted sweep, a large drying shed, and a series of fermentation and settling vats arranged in a terraced formation. The lower section provides a technical vertical cross-section of the masonry vats, detailing the internal drainage and filtration systems. This copper engraving was published in the Recueil de Planches for the Encyclopedie, ou Dictionnaire raisonne des sciences, des arts et des metiers by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert in Paris.
Robert Bénard was a French engraver who specialized in technical and scientific illustrations for major intellectual projects of the Enlightenment. He served as the director of the engraving department for the Diderot Encyclopedie, where he oversaw the production of thousands of plates documenting human knowledge and industry. His work is characterized by extreme precision and the ability to translate complex mechanical and chemical processes into clear visual diagrams. Bénard was a prolific contributor to the most significant scientific publications of the late eighteenth century, and his technical style set the standard for educational illustration across Europe.
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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