Vrouw bij een wastobbe 1895

Auguste Danse created this print of a woman by a washtub using etching. At first glance, the composition seems simple: a figure positioned slightly off-center, bent over a large tub. But it’s the meticulous use of line that really defines this work. Notice how the density of etched lines varies across the image. In areas like the woman’s face and the folds of her clothing, the lines are closely packed, creating a sense of depth and shadow. In contrast, the background is suggested with far fewer lines, pushing it back and emphasizing the subject. The tub itself is rendered with a remarkable attention to texture; you can almost feel the rough-hewn wood. Danse’s print invites us to consider the relationship between labor and representation. How does the artist use line and form to elevate this everyday scene, and what does it tell us about the values and perspectives of the time? It’s a question that continues to evolve with each viewing.