Man en kind aan de eettafel 1790

This is an etching by Jan Chalon, made in the 18th century. It depicts a man and child at a table. Notice how the composition is structured around contrasts in texture and light. The artist uses a dense network of fine lines to create a sense of depth, particularly in the man’s face and clothing. The use of hatching and cross-hatching is strategic, building up darker tones to emphasize the shadows, which in turn, gives the figures volume and weight. This contrasts with the smoother areas, such as the child's face, where lighter tones convey softness. The table and the food upon it are rendered with simple, economical lines, anchoring the figures in their immediate environment. The image is more than just a depiction of a man and child. It is a study in contrasts, using the formal elements of line and tone to create a compelling emotional narrative. The etching captures the way simple forms can convey complex feelings, inviting us to interpret the relationship between the figures and the world they inhabit.