Vrouw en jongen bij kind in kinderwagen 1879

This is Marcellin Desboutin's etching of a woman and boy looking at a baby in a stroller. The print is dominated by the stroller, an intricate geometric form of circles and woven patterns, contrasting with the soft curves of the figures. Desboutin's choice of etching enhances the scene's intimacy. The detailed lines create texture and depth, drawing us into the quiet moment of observation. Each stroke meticulously defines the fabric of the clothing and the wicker of the stroller, contributing to the realistic yet tender portrayal of domestic life. The composition invites a semiotic reading: the figures, arranged in a triangular formation, focus on the child, symbolizing care. Desboutin uses the structure of the family to explore themes of affection and vulnerability. The formal qualities of the etching—its lines, shapes, and composition—invite us to reflect on the emotional and social structures that define our understanding of family.