Oude vrouw in een venster c. 1863 - 1914

Daniel Charles Marie Mordant created this print of an old woman in a window using etching techniques. The print’s stark black-and-white palette enhances the texture of the etched lines, creating a sense of depth and age. By manipulating the density and direction of these lines, Mordant captures the rough texture of the stone window frame and the delicate wrinkles of the woman's face. The printmaking process, with its reliance on mechanical reproduction, connects to the rise of industrialization and the commodification of images. The image gives us a snapshot of domestic life, and of the labor that sustains it, from the woman's simple garments to the humble meal she is consuming. The act of etching itself, which involves meticulous labor, mirrors the everyday routines of working-class individuals. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can better understand the full meaning of Mordant's work and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.