Portret van een jonge vrouw 1774 - 1793

Louis Marin Bonnet created this portrait of a young woman using the technique of pastel-manner engraving. By employing multiple plates, each inked with a different color, Bonnet simulated the soft, chalky texture of pastel drawings. The result is quite captivating. Look closely, and you can see how the layered inks give depth to her skin tones, hair, and delicate fabric. Bonnet was a virtuoso of this complex printmaking method. It was very labor-intensive, demanding precision and skill to align the plates correctly. In a society increasingly focused on mass production, Bonnet’s dedication to this intricate craft stands out. While the image is of a fashionable woman of the time, the real story is in the process. It reminds us that even in an age of growing industrialization, the hand-made and the unique still held value. Recognizing the labor and skill involved enriches our appreciation of art and its connection to broader cultural values.