Jonge vrouw met bloemenmand 1732 - 1776

Gilles Demarteau created this print of a young woman with a flower basket using the crayon manner technique. This printmaking method allowed artists to imitate the soft, chalky look of crayon or pastel drawings. The image presents us with an idealized vision of pastoral life, a popular theme in the 18th century, particularly among the French aristocracy. But it also idealizes gender roles. The young woman embodies innocence and natural beauty, aligning her closely with nature itself. She is both graceful and demure, her dress fashionable yet suitable for a stroll through the countryside. Yet, her work is also her pleasure; she gathers flowers, subtly reinforcing the idea that women's roles are intertwined with beauty, nature, and domesticity. Though seemingly simple, this print offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between gender, class, and artistic expression in the 1700s. It invites us to consider how images can shape and reflect societal values, desires, and expectations.