Gapende vrouw in stoel c. 1753 - 1767

This etching by Charles Spooner, a British artist active in the mid 18th century, depicts a woman in a seated pose with her mouth wide open in a dramatic yawn. The detail of her facial expression and the naturalism of the pose suggest that the artist was keen on depicting everyday life and its quirks. The etching, titled "Gapende vrouw in stoel" (Yawning woman in a chair), is a testament to Spooner's ability to capture the essence of human emotion. The inscription at the bottom of the etching reveals it was printed by Red Wagen, an engraver and publisher working in the Netherlands during the 18th century, further suggesting a broad reach for the artist's work.