Woman Holding a Gift Box 1890 - 1900

Henri Boutet created "Woman Holding a Gift Box" using drypoint and etching. The subtle shading and delicate lines give a sense of gentle movement to the depicted young woman. The composition is structured by the interplay between the geometric form of the gift box and the organic lines of the woman's figure. The box, with its sharp edges, contrasts with the soft, flowing lines of her dress and hair. Boutet uses line to convey a sense of depth, particularly in the folds of the dress, creating a visual texture that invites the eye to explore the image. Semiotically, the gift box operates as a signifier, suggesting themes of exchange, expectation, and perhaps societal roles of women during Boutet's time. The formal choices—the contrast between line and shape, and the balance between light and shadow—work together to evoke a feeling of quiet anticipation. These elements contribute to the artwork's complex meaning, inviting a continued, evolving interpretation.