Les-Parents-Terribles series: Mrs. Woman is a Majesty 1852 - 1853

This print, "Mrs. Woman is a Majesty" was made by Paul Gavarni using etching, a printmaking process that democratized image production in the 19th century. The nature of the etched line influences the entire composition, its texture and weight. To create this image, Gavarni would have first coated a metal plate with wax, then drawn through it with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the lines, before finally being inked and printed. Gavarni was one of many artists who adopted etching to capture everyday life, making art more accessible than traditional painting. This print shows the "terrible parents" of its title, and we can see that this printmaking technique, with its reproducibility and affordability, perfectly suited Gavarni's goal of depicting contemporary society. It is interesting to see how a technique once considered part of a lower status, has now become a way to capture everyday life with artistic skill.