Rustic interior with an old woman holding music and singing in the foreground 1635 - 1675

This tiny print, made by Jacques Dassonville in the mid-17th century, uses the process of etching to create a scene of everyday life. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratching an image into it. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed metal, leaving behind incised lines that can be inked and printed. Here, Dassonville's lines capture the rough textures of a rustic interior, from the woven baskets to the simple garments of the figures. The process lends itself to fine detail, allowing the artist to render the expressions of the singing woman and her companions with remarkable clarity. Consider the labor involved: the preparation of the plate, the careful drawing, the precise application of acid, and finally, the printing itself. Etchings like this one made art more accessible to a wider audience, as they could be reproduced relatively easily and in large numbers. This print offers a glimpse into a specific time and place, reminding us that even the humblest of materials can carry profound cultural significance.