Huiselijk tafereel met drie generaties 1754 - 1800

This print, "Huiselijk tafereel met drie generaties", was made by Louis Binet in the 18th century, using engraving. A skilled technique, engraving involves meticulously cutting lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. This process demands time and precision, qualities that reflect the domestic scene depicted. Notice how the textures and tones are rendered through careful cross-hatching. This print captures the essence of everyday life for women in 18th century France, where labor was a constant presence. The intergenerational dynamic speaks to social structures, with the younger woman actively working, while the older generation provides care. Engraving, like the domestic tasks seen here, was a craft requiring dedicated labor, highlighting the often unseen work that sustains society. Appreciating the material and making of this artwork allows us to value the lives and labor it represents, bridging the gap between art and lived experience.