Vrouw met hoedendoos 1843 - 1872

This print, "Vrouw met hoedendoos," or "Woman with Hat Box," was made by Philippus Anthonius Alexander Kanne using etching, a printmaking technique that involves biting lines into a metal plate with acid. Look closely, and you’ll see that the network of fine lines defines the woman's form, her clothing, and the hat box she carries. The etching process gives the image a soft, slightly grainy texture, a direct result of the corrosive action of the acid on the metal. This was not a mass production, but it allowed for relatively quick creation of images, compared to laborious engraving processes. Consider the social context here. Printmaking in the 19th century was a way to disseminate images widely, and prints like this one offer a glimpse into everyday life of the time. The woman's simple attire and the utilitarian hat box suggest a working-class subject, rather than someone from the affluent classes. The beauty of this lies not just in its aesthetic appeal, but also in its ability to connect us to the past. This print reminds us that art is always intertwined with materials, labor, and the social realities of its time.