Old Woman Seated (La vieille femme assise) 

This is "Old Woman Seated," made by Alphonse Legros using the printmaking technique of etching. Look closely at the web of finely incised lines that create the image. These lines were painstakingly bitten into a metal plate with acid, demonstrating skilled labor. The resulting image feels both immediate and intimate. Notice how Legros uses hatching to build up shadows, giving the woman's figure a sense of weight and volume. This labor-intensive process allowed for multiple impressions to be made, democratizing access to art during a period of industrialization. Legros, who came from a working-class background, was interested in portraying the lives of ordinary people, and his choice of etching as a medium reflects a desire to connect with a wider audience beyond the traditional art world. The image captures a sense of quiet dignity, reminding us of the value and significance of everyday lives. It encourages us to think about how art can be a powerful tool for social commentary.