Jonge vrouw bij de schoenmaker 1823 - 1869

Charles Billoin created this detailed etching, "Young Woman at the Shoemaker's," showcasing an intimate domestic scene with a rich array of textures and tonal contrasts. Notice the dynamic play of light and shadow which models the figures and objects, creating a sense of depth within the confined space. The composition is structured by a series of diagonals that lead the eye from the foreground—where the young woman stands—towards the shoemaker and his other customers seated in the background. Billoin uses line and shading to delineate each figure and object distinctly, while also integrating them into the overall setting. This attention to detail highlights a world where labor and everyday life are intricately intertwined. By using hatching and cross-hatching, Billoin not only defines form but also suggests the social fabric of 19th-century life, where each individual is a part of a broader community. The print invites us to consider how such scenes reflect and shape our understanding of domesticity, labor, and social relations. As we look closer, we find that even a simple workshop reveals complex layers of meaning and representation.