Two Women Seen in Profile c. 17th century

Editor: This small etching, "Two Women Seen in Profile" by Jacques Callot, shows two figures with contrasting attire. I find the starkness striking. What catches your eye? Curator: I’m drawn to the stark contrast that you pointed out: it highlights a clear social divide. Consider the material conditions that allowed one woman to adorn herself, versus the other's evident poverty. How does Callot's technique—the etching itself—contribute to this contrast, do you think? Editor: The fine lines seem to emphasize the detail in the richer woman's clothes, making the other's appear more worn. I hadn't considered the process itself as a commentary. Curator: Precisely. Callot's choice of etching allows for this level of detail, subtly reinforcing existing power structures. Editor: Thank you. Thinking about the materials and their effect really shifted my perspective.