Melkmeid met twee kinderen in een landschap 1762

Francesco Bartolozzi made this print, “Milkmaid with two children in a landscape,” using a technique called etching. It's essentially drawing with acid on a metal plate, inking it, and then using a press to transfer the image to paper. The real subject here is labor. Consider the stark contrast between the rural scene depicted and the highly refined process used to create the print. Bartolozzi was a virtuoso etcher, known for his ability to mimic the effects of chalk or pastel drawings. He was celebrated and successful. Yet, this image shows a milkmaid at work in a landscape – a life far removed from the sophisticated art world of the 18th century. The act of creating this print is very labor intensive, demanding careful control and expert execution. In a way, Bartolozzi is ennobling the work of the milkmaid through his own skilled labor, elevating a common scene to the realm of fine art. It’s a reminder that all creative endeavors, whether in the field or the studio, require dedication and skill.