Tuinierster 1612 - 1676

This engraving of a 'Gardener' by Abraham Bosse was made in the 17th century. The composition focuses on the figure, set against a faint landscape. Her commanding presence is emphasized by the vertical orientation and the object she balances on her head. Bosse’s use of line is precise and descriptive; he uses hatching to define form and texture, illustrating the details of the gardener's clothing. The elaborate folds and adornments of her dress are given as much attention as her face, which speaks to the fashion and social structures of the time. The gardener is depicted with an elegant vase and ornate garments, challenging fixed meanings of labor and class. Consider how the formal qualities of line and composition work together to create a complex narrative about the roles and representations of women in 17th-century society. This image is not just a depiction of a gardener but a statement on status, fashion, and the theatricality of everyday life.