Oude vrouw leest uit een boek en op tafel staat een theekop 1882

This etching of an old woman reading, teacup at her side, was made by Joseph Dujardin. The artist, working in the etching tradition, used metal plates and acid to create the design. The lines were incised into the metal, and when printed, they hold the ink, creating an image with pronounced lines and subtle shading. The etching medium allows for a great deal of detail, from the delicate lace of her bonnet to the texture of her shawl. The artist emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow, drawing our attention to the woman's face and hands. The texture of the paper itself is part of the image, providing depth and warmth to the scene. This print invites us to consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image, and how the medium itself is tied to wider social issues of work, class, and consumption. In doing so, it bridges the traditional gap between fine art and craft.