Dienstmeid, van voren gezien, een arm voor de buik 1685

Sébastien Leclerc I’s etching, "Dienstmeid, van voren gezien, een arm voor de buik" (1685), depicts a maid in a simple dress standing with her arm held in front of her stomach. Leclerc, a prolific French artist active between 1637 and 1714, is known for his detailed etchings of figures, which often capture the everyday life of the 17th century. This particular print is part of a larger series showcasing the attire and posture of various figures. The etching is in the Rijksmuseum and is a fine example of Leclerc’s mastery of the medium and his keen observation of human form.