Oude vrouw met roede en een opengeslagen boek 1772

This is Johann Georg Wille’s engraving, *Old Woman with Rod and Open Book*, made in the 18th century. The subject appears to be caught between worlds, framed by what seems to be a window. Notice how the woman is illuminated from above, emphasizing her features. Her raised index finger is in dialogue with the book in front of her. She is framed within a constructed space, which is a composition within the larger composition of the rectangular print. The frame contains the intimate scene. This use of frames within frames is not merely decorative; it actively engages the viewer, prompting questions about space, boundaries, and the act of observing. The engraving technique, with its precise lines and tonal variations, adds another layer of meaning. The image has an immediacy, yet it is mediated through Wille’s technical virtuosity. It invites us to reflect on the interplay of representation and reality.