Maria met kind en engel 1836 - 1857

Louise Girard-Bathilde created this image of "Maria met kind en engel" in the mid-19th century, using a printmaking technique. Notice how the artist used finely engraved lines to produce light and shadow, giving form to the figures of Mary, the infant Jesus, and the angel. This method required a skilled hand to transfer an image onto a metal plate, which would then be inked and pressed onto paper. Printmaking has always been tied to wider social issues, allowing for the reproduction and distribution of images, and making art more accessible. The texture and weight of the paper further contribute to the tactile quality of the print, highlighting the artist's engagement with both the graphic and material aspects of art-making. These details are an important reminder that every work has a physical presence and was produced through skillful labor. Appreciating the craftsmanship enhances our understanding of the artwork's cultural and social significance.