Oude vrouw leest uit een boek en op tafel staat een theekop 1882

Joseph Dujardin created this print, "Old Woman Reading with Teacup," using etching techniques, resulting in its detailed, textural quality. The composition is dominated by the figure of an elderly woman, depicted in profile, her attention absorbed by the book in her hands, beside a teacup. The etching’s strength lies in its strategic use of light and shadow, achieved through dense, intricate lines that define the forms and textures. Dujardin’s technique emphasizes the woman’s aged features and the soft fabrics of her clothing. The teacup serves as a focal point, its delicate form rendered with precision, contrasting with the rougher textures surrounding it. The act of reading itself becomes a subject. The woman's engagement destabilizes conventional understandings of aging, portraying her not as frail, but as intellectually active. Through its formal qualities, Dujardin’s etching provides a space for contemplation on the themes of aging, knowledge, and the intimate moments of daily life. It remains a compelling work that invites ongoing interpretation.