Oude vrouw bij kaarslicht after 1645

This print, “Oude vrouw bij kaarslicht,” or "Old woman by candlelight," was made anonymously using engraving, a process involving carving lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The stark contrast between light and shadow is achieved through varying the density and depth of the engraved lines. See how the light from the candle illuminates the woman's face and hands, while the surrounding areas fade into darkness. This technique not only creates a dramatic visual effect but also emphasizes the themes of mortality and the passage of time, represented by the skull and hourglass. Engraving, as a craft, was a painstaking process that required great skill. The precision and detail seen here speak to the artisan's mastery. The print also suggests the wider social issues of labor and class of the time, as the process was time consuming and required many years of practice. Consider how the material and the making imbue the artwork with social and cultural significance, challenging our understanding of fine art.