Vrouw van het Hongaarse platteland 1562

This print, Vrouw van het Hongaarse platteland, was made by François Desprez sometime in the 16th century. It's an engraving, made by carefully incising lines into a metal plate with a tool called a burin. The stark contrast of black lines on white paper gives the image a crisp, graphic quality. Desprez used these lines to define the form and texture of the woman’s clothing. The effect emphasizes the weight and volume of her garments, hinting at the labor involved in producing these textiles. The image captures not just her appearance, but also a sense of the social context she inhabits. This print reflects a growing interest in depicting everyday life and different social classes. By focusing on the details of her clothing and accessories, Desprez elevates the ordinary, prompting viewers to consider the craftsmanship and cultural significance embedded in even the most humble objects. This challenges the traditional hierarchy that separated fine art from the crafts of ordinary people.