Denis Diderot

French, 1713 - 1784

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This is a technical illustration featuring components of a mechanical machine. The drawing shows different views and parts of the apparatus, with labels indicating items such as gears, rollers, and levers. The image includes figures detailing the drum, rods, a table, internal mechanisms, crossbars, brackets, a press, and a tray. The drawing is detailed and precise, showcasing the complexity and functionality of the machinery.
French 18th Century, Denis Diderot, Gravure à l'Eau Forte, Machine à Balotter: pl. VI, 1771/1779, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.7

Gravure à l'Eau Forte, Machine à Balotter: pl. VI

French 18th Century, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.7
The image shows a diagram with labeled figures illustrating various objects. The largest items are a smoking taper marked Fig. 4, and a flat rectangular sheet labeled Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The color palette is monochromatic in black and white. To the left is the smoking taper with smoke billowing upwards, next to a small bag-shaped object labeled Fig. 3. Below is Fig. 5, a square object on smaller items. On the right are multiple tools, including a pointed stick (Fig. 6), and smaller tools with varying tips. At the bottom middle is a bottle-shaped object labeled Fig. 11.
Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot, Gravure en Taille Douce: pl. II, 1771/1779, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.3

Gravure en Taille Douce: pl. II

Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.3
This is a drawing of various engraving tools and techniques used in the "Maniere Noire" or mezzotint process. The drawing shows detailed illustrations of engraving tools numbered as figures 1 through 7, including burnishers and roulettes, which are depicted with precision and labeled with letters indicating parts and possibly instructions for use. Below the tools are geometric grids labeled Fig. 000 and Seconde Fig. 000, showing a grid system with lines and numbers for alignment or scaling purposes. In the bottom right corner is Fig. 9, a small shaded illustration of a sphere inside a box or open-faced cube, showcasing the chiaroscuro effect achievable through the engraving technique. The inscriptions "Gravure en Maniere Noire" and "Pl. VII" suggest this is an educational or instructional plate on mezzotint engraving.
Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot, Gravure en Maniere Noire: pl. VII, 1771/1779, engraving, etching, and mezzotint on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.8

Gravure en Maniere Noire: pl. VII

Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving, etching, and mezzotint on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.8
This is a drawing of a workshop interior and engraving tools. The upper section of the illustration shows a detailed interior scene of a workshop where multiple individuals are engaged in various activities related to metal or engraving work. There are large windows letting in light, and various worktables are set up with instruments and papers. Below, the image features an assortment of engraving tools, each meticulously labeled with letters and numbers.
Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot, Gravure en Taille-douce: pl. I, 1771/1779, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.1

Gravure en Taille-douce: pl. I

Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.1
This is a drawing featuring detailed components of a printing press. The illustration includes various labeled parts and sectional views of mechanical structures related to a vintage printing press. Each component is shown with precise detail, likely indicating how different pieces fit together or function within the mechanism. The components are numbered and organized neatly across the page, with an emphasis on technical understanding. The etching style and the language used at the bottom ("Imprimerie en Taille Douce, Devéloppement de la Presse") suggest that this diagram serves as an instructional or descriptive guide for the assembly or function of the printing press depicted.
French 18th Century, Denis Diderot, Imprimerie en Taille Douce, Devéloppement de la Presse: pl. II, 1771/1779, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.14

Imprimerie en Taille Douce, Devéloppement de la Presse: pl. II

French 18th Century, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.14
This is a drawing of a printing workshop with various tools and equipment depicted. It shows a detailed interior of an old-style printing operation. In the top section, there is a room where various printing activities are taking place, such as the operation of a printing press and preparation of ink and materials. Hanging illustrations or prints line the walls and are carefully displayed overhead. Several workstations are present, each with specific tasks and tools showcasing the intricate labor involved in the printing process. The bottom section of the drawing presents a close-up view of various tools integral to the printing process, including a printing press with labeled components, a basin for ink, and other key instruments. This illustration highlights the historical process of intaglio printing in an informative manner, giving insight into the craftsmanship and technology of historical printmaking.
French 18th Century, Denis Diderot, Imprimerie en Taille Douce: pl. I, 1771/1779, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.13

Imprimerie en Taille Douce: pl. I

French 18th Century, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.13
This is a drawing of various equipment and illustrations related to the process of etching. The image features detailed diagrams of different tools and processes used in etching, including a stand with a basin, sheets with intricate patterns, a lush landscape scene, and components like plates, measuring devices, and a box with bottles. Figures labeled from 1 to 7 signify each component or stage, presenting a clear instructional diagram of the etching process with accompanying French descriptions.
Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot, Gravure, Maniere de faire mordre à l'eau-forte: pl. V, 1771/1779, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.6

Gravure, Maniere de faire mordre à l'eau-forte: pl. V

Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.6
The image depicts various tools and instruments for engraving or similar crafts, arranged with labels and measurements. Each tool is labeled with a figure number, showcasing lines, curves, and shapes that illustrate the tools' functions. The tools featured include engraving picks, a round pad, a spoon-like tool, calipers, a compass, a ruler extension, and a small pouring canister. The drawing is detailed and precise, with a technical and instructional appearance.
Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot, Gravure en Taille Douce: suite de la pl. I, 1771/1779, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.2

Gravure en Taille Douce: suite de la pl. I

Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.2
This is a drawing demonstrating various engraving techniques. It includes figures labeled from 1 to 13 showing different stages and methods used in intaglio printing. The upper part displays outlines and profiles of human heads to illustrate depth creation through incision tools. In the middle, hands are depicted using engraving tools to showcase effective handling techniques. Below, there are diagrams of line and shading effects achieved in engraving, featuring crosshatching and parallel-line patterns. The artwork is annotated with letters and numbers to guide viewers through the engraving process.
Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot, Gravure en Taille-douce: pl. III, 1771/1779, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.4

Gravure en Taille-douce: pl. III

Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.4
This is a drawing of wood engraving techniques. The drawing shows various techniques and examples of wood engraving, with different figures labeled and detailed. It includes multiple carvings and patterns, such as straight and curved lines, grids, and waveforms. Each figure demonstrates a different style or method of engraving on a block of wood. The final figure displays a detailed scene featuring an obelisk and classical architecture.
Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot, Gravure en Bois, Principes: pl. III, 1771/1779, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1996.20.12

Gravure en Bois, Principes: pl. III

Antonio Baratta, Denis Diderot · 1771/1779 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1996.20.12

Bibliography

1898

  • Nouveau Larousse Illustré. 7 vols. Paris, 1898-1904:3:721-713