Woman Selling Fried Food n.d.

Charles Jacque created "Woman Selling Fried Food," using etching, a printmaking technique. Though undated, its style suggests it was likely made mid-19th century. Jacque, who was influenced by the Barbizon school, often depicted rural life. But this isn’t just a quaint scene of the countryside. The woman, likely working-class, is shown in the act of labor, during a time of immense social change in France. This intimate portrayal invites us to consider the role of women in the economy and their daily lives. We might ask ourselves, what were the social expectations placed on women like her? While Jacque’s work can seem straightforward, it gently challenges the dominant narrative of the time, suggesting a subtle commentary on the unsung labor that holds society together. In its delicate lines, there's an echo of resilience.