Wandelend boerenpaar 17th century

This small etching, "Wandelend boerenpaar," presents a walking peasant couple with an abundance of linear strokes that form their figures. The composition is dominated by a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, achieved through dense hatching and cross-hatching techniques. The artist masterfully uses line to define not just form but also texture and depth. Note how the lines converge to create darker areas suggesting folds in the clothing. The faces, though small, are rendered with particular attention to detail, conveying a sense of age. The rough simplicity of the figures is in direct contrast to the highly refined and idealized depictions of the wealthy. Here, the artist invites viewers to consider the formal elements not as mere representation but as carriers of social and cultural meaning, engaging in a broader dialogue about representation, identity, and value.