Jahel 1647

Gilles Rousselet created this print, Jahel, sometime in the 17th century. Its medium is etching, a printmaking technique in which lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, allowing for detailed and precise imagery. Rousselet expertly used the etching process to create intricate patterns and textures. Look closely at the hammer and tent; the meticulous network of lines gives them a tangible presence. This etching exemplifies the traditional skilled trades used for centuries to disseminate images and stories to a wide audience. The subject speaks to labor, too: Jahel's pose with her tools is reminiscent of a craftsperson displaying their wares. While the scene depicts a violent act, Rousselet transforms Jahel into a figure of strength and determination, embodying the power of ordinary individuals to shape history through their labor. By emphasizing the artistry of the etching process, we recognize how Jahel transcends the boundaries of fine art and craft.