Figuur met pijp zittend tussen man en kind 1629 - 1670

Jacques Dassonville created this small etching in the 17th century, using a metal plate and acid to bring forth an image of three figures in a humble interior. The linear quality of the etching emphasizes the figures' coarse clothing and weathered features. Consider the labor involved in producing an etching like this. Dassonville would have started by meticulously coating a metal plate with a waxy ground. Using a sharp needle, he would then scratch away the ground, exposing the metal beneath. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The resulting image, when inked and printed, reflects not only Dassonville's artistic skill, but also the physical labor involved in the etching process itself. These lines, seemingly so simple, are a testament to the artist’s craft, reminding us that even in fine art, the hand of the maker is always present. This work offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary people.