Fishermen's Wives (Femmes de pecheurs) 

Alphonse Legros made "Fishermen's Wives" using etching, a printmaking process that involves drawing an image into a waxy ground on a metal plate and then bathing it in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. This printmaking method allowed Legros to create multiple copies of his work, making it more accessible to a wider audience. The process also lends itself to a certain kind of graphic directness. Notice how the stark lines emphasize the women’s weariness. Consider the social context: these are working-class women, their livelihoods dependent on the risky labor of their husbands. Legros's choice of etching underscores the stark realities of their lives. By embracing printmaking, Legros was able to democratize his art, bringing attention to the lives of those often overlooked in the mainstream art world. It reminds us that art can be a powerful tool for social commentary, challenging traditional hierarchies and celebrating the dignity of everyday life.