Vissersvrouw aan de kust 1860 - 1900

Eugène Gaujean made this print, *Vissersvrouw aan de kust*, using etching, a process involving biting lines into a metal plate with acid, and then using this to make impressions on paper. It’s a world away from the directness of drawing or painting. The etching process allows for the creation of fine, detailed lines, giving the image its intricate texture, which is particularly evident in the rendering of the woman's clothing, the woven basket, and the rough sea. This effect is achieved by repeatedly immersing the plate in acid, each time deepening the etched lines. The amount of labor is considerable: from preparing the plate to the printing process. Gaujean engaged with traditions that straddle both fine art and craft, using his skilled technique to portray the life of a working fisherwoman, and in doing so he elevated her status. By focusing on this scene of daily labor and trade, the print invites us to consider the social and economic context of 19th century coastal communities, emphasizing the dignity of labor and the importance of everyday life.