Home > Arts > Artists > D > Denis Diderot
Needle making workshop, 1751-1780
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Needle making workshop, 1751-1780
Needle making workshop, 1751-1780. Cutting needle lengths from steel wire (1), flattening the end (4), stamping the eye (2), punching the eye (3), filing the eye and pointing the end (7), polishing (8). Specific monotonous tasks were carried out by individuals. The process was virtually unchanged for nearly 200 years. From Encyclopedie, ou Dictionnaire Raisonne des Sciences, des Arts et des Metiers edited by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d Alembert. (Paris, 1751-1780)
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14863685
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Dalembert Denis Denis Diderot Diderot Factory Worker Jean Jean Dalembert Jean Le Rond Dalembert Manufacturing Metal Industry Metalworker Metalworking Needle Oxford Science Archive Workbench Workshop Monotonous
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> D
> Denis Diderot
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back in time to a needle making workshop during the 18th century. The image showcases the meticulous process of crafting needles, which remained virtually unchanged for nearly two centuries. In this bustling French factory, we witness skilled workers engaging in specific monotonous tasks that contribute to the creation of these essential tools. Each step is carefully depicted: cutting needle lengths from steel wire, flattening the end, stamping and punching the eye, filing and pointing the end, and finally polishing. These individual tasks are carried out by dedicated craftsmen who have mastered their trade. The engraving captures not only the physical labor but also provides a glimpse into the atmosphere of this metalworking industry. Men can be seen hunched over workbenches inside a building filled with activity. Their concentration is evident as they diligently focus on their respective roles. This image serves as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance in an era when manufacturing was still largely reliant on manual labor. It reminds us of our ancestors' dedication to perfecting their craft through repetitive yet vital processes. Denis Diderot and Jean d'Alembert's Encyclopedie played a significant role in documenting various trades and professions during this period of industrial development. This particular print offers valuable insight into one such occupation that contributed greatly to society's needs at that time - needle making.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.