Oudere vrouw 1814 - 1879

David van der Kellen created this small etching of an older woman in the 19th century. The composition centres on the subject’s head and shoulders, using fine, closely-spaced lines to create shading and texture. The woman’s downcast gaze and the subtle modelling of her face evoke a mood of contemplation. Van der Kellen masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching, a semiotic code, to build form and depth, especially noticeable in the details of her bonnet and shawl. The artist contrasts areas of dense lines with the smooth planes of her face, drawing the viewer's attention to her expression. The lines become a language which defines not just the physical appearance of the woman but hints at the weight of her experiences. Ultimately, the success of this etching lies in the way Van der Kellen's formal techniques combine to convey emotion and depth within a modest scale. This reflects a broader artistic interest in using precise techniques to reveal inner psychological states through external appearance.