Gapende vrouw in stoel c. 1753 - 1767

Charles Spooner created this mezzotint print, "Gapende vrouw in stoel," which translates to "Yawning Woman in a Chair," sometime in the 18th century. The mezzotint technique is interesting here. It involves roughening the entire plate, and then selectively burnishing areas to create lighter tones. Look closely, and you'll see how the velvety blacks of the background contrast with the smoother, brighter areas of the woman's face and clothing. Spooner likely used a tool called a rocker to create the initial texture on the copper plate. The process is labor intensive, demanding both physical strength and careful control. Consider how the image reflects broader social themes. The yawning woman perhaps speaks to the drudgery of daily life, or the boredom and fatigue experienced by those in the working class. It's important to remember the sheer amount of handwork that went into producing images like this. They weren't simply churned out. They were painstakingly crafted objects, and this is key to understanding their cultural value.