Malle Babbe 1756 - 1817

"Malle Babbe," a 1756-1817 etching by Louis Bernard Coclers, portrays a woman with a bird perched on her shoulder. The etching's realistic depiction of the woman, likely a well-known local figure, captures her strong personality with detailed facial features and a humorous expression. This work exemplifies Coclers' skill in capturing the character of his subjects through expressive lines and subtle shading. The piece showcases the artist's interest in the everyday lives of ordinary people, highlighting the social and cultural context of the time.