A Woman Peeling Pears 1635 - 1677

"A Woman Peeling Pears" is an etching by Dutch artist Wallerant Vaillant, created between 1635 and 1677. It depicts a woman seated in a kitchen, peeling pears. The work is notable for its chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark to create a dramatic effect. The woman's figure is illuminated by a single light source, while the surrounding kitchen objects are cast in shadow. This etching is part of a larger series of works by Vaillant that featured domestic scenes with a focus on everyday activities. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York holds the etching today.