Pijprokende vrouw (de Smaak) 1679 - 1704

This print of a woman smoking a pipe was created by Cornelis Dusart in the late 17th century. It’s made using a technique called etching, where lines are bitten into a metal plate with acid, then inked and printed. Look closely, and you’ll notice the sharp, precise lines of the printmaking medium, giving a stark realism to her face. Dusart captured this woman's character, complete with her worn features, and simple clothing. What’s interesting is that she’s framed within a decorative oval, almost as though elevated. The image may reflect the popularity of tobacco in Dutch society at the time, though we cannot know whether this reflects a commentary on labor or class. The act of printmaking itself speaks to a wider context. This wasn't just art for the elite; prints made art and information accessible to a broader audience. So, next time you see a print, think about the layers of skill, labor, and social context embedded in the artwork.