Hoofd van een oude vrouw 1896

Elisa Weiler etched “Head of an Old Woman,” rendered in delicate lines, after Jordaens. The print is a window into the complex dialogue between visibility and invisibility, particularly for women artists navigating male-dominated art worlds. Weiler's choice to reproduce Jordaens points to the challenges and negotiations women artists face when engaging with the canon. "D'après Jordaens," as inscribed on the work, highlights an artistic act of homage, of learning, and perhaps even of critique. Consider the social milieu of late 19th-century Europe, where women were often relegated to the domestic sphere or certain genres within the arts. Weiler's focus on the aged face compels us to contemplate on the narratives of aging, memory, and the value attributed to women as they age. "Épreuve unique" suggests the singularity and preciousness of this particular print. It serves as a reminder of the artist's hand, skill, and personal journey. The artwork prompts us to consider the representation of women, the gaze, and the power dynamics inherent in the act of portraying and perceiving.