Jonge vrouw kijkt op haar horloge 1841 - 1887

Léopold Flameng created this print, “Young Woman Looking at Her Watch,” using etching, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid to hold ink. The image shows a woman checking her watch. The texture achieved through etching is crucial here. Look closely, and you'll see that the intricate pattern on the wallpaper, the soft drape of the woman's dress, and the fur trim are all created through this process. Etching allowed Flameng to capture the subtle gradations of light and shadow, giving the print a delicate, almost ephemeral quality. The labor-intensive process also carries social significance. Etching was a refined, skilled craft, distinct from industrial modes of production. Flameng's attention to detail and texture elevates the print beyond mere reproduction, highlighting the artistic skill and time invested in its creation. It reminds us that even in a time of increasing industrialization, the value of handmade artistry persisted.