Koppel in een rotsachtig landschap 1844

Charles Jacque created this print, "Couple in a rocky landscape," using etching. Jacque lived through a time of significant social upheaval in France, and was part of a wave of artists who focused on rural life. Here, we see a woman in a dress and hat in conversation with a woman cloaked in shadow. Their interaction, staged against a backdrop of imposing rocks, evokes both intimacy and the harsh realities of their environment. The contrast in dress and presentation suggests a divide in social class. The cloaked woman is shrouded, perhaps suggesting the vulnerability and invisibility of women in that position. By focusing on marginalized figures, Jacque invites us to consider the human stories often overshadowed by grand historical narratives. The print serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy. It asks us to consider the lives and experiences of all members of society, especially during times of rapid change.