The Butcher-Woman, from Arts et Métiers 1838

"The Butcher-Woman," a lithograph by Bernard Gaillot from 1838, showcases a detailed portrait of a female butcher. The artwork is characterized by its stark simplicity, featuring a female figure in profile, adorned with a bonnet, a draped cloth, and a cluster of sausages. The composition is dominated by the subject's attire, emphasizing her profession. The image is created using subtle shading and hatching techniques, lending it a realistic and evocative quality. The artwork captures the essence of a working-class figure in 19th-century France, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in the era.