Lezende jonge vrouw 1630 - 1700

Jan Lievens created this etching, 'Young Woman Reading', sometime in the 17th century. Initially, the eye is drawn to the stark contrast between the concentrated dark strokes, which define the woman and the book, set against a bare background. The composition is cleverly structured around a play of light and shadow. Lievens uses the etching technique to create depth, with a subtle tonal range that brings the figure to life. The textures, from the smooth skin to the rough pages of the book, add to the sensory appeal. This is no mere portrait; it’s a study in form and materiality. Lievens expertly balances the figure's form and the texture of the etching to create a moment of quiet contemplation. Through his distinctive formal approach, the image becomes part of a visual discourse that invites ongoing interpretation.