Perrette, ou la petite laitière 1786

This print, Perrette, ou la petite laitière, was made by Montbrian De Chateauvieux. The print shows a young milkmaid in an idyllic landscape, her gaze cast downward. But what truly brings this work to life is the process of its creation: etching. The artist used sharp tools to cut lines into a metal plate, each groove holding ink to transfer the design onto paper. These delicate lines define the texture of her simple dress and the metallic sheen of the milk churn beside her. Through the etched lines, Chateauvieux elevates the milkmaid, and the tools of her humble trade, into objects of beauty.