Oude-Kate 

Editor: Here we have Felicien Rops' print "Oude-Kate," an etching or engraving, it seems. It strikes me as a pretty stark and unflinching portrait. The woman's face is so detailed, conveying age and hardship. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Primarily, I observe the stark contrast achieved through the engraving technique. Consider how Rops uses the density and direction of the lines to articulate form and texture. Where does the light originate, and how does its manipulation define the subject's character? The gaze draws attention, of course, but observe how the artist leads our eye with these tonal variations. Editor: I notice how her hands, and especially her face, are really highlighted. The light seems almost sculptural in how it models her features. But it also seems to create this air of dignity, despite, as I said, being very unflinching in portraying old age. Do you see anything symbolic in the basket of what appear to be potatoes, sitting in the bottom left corner? Curator: Let us refocus. While symbolic readings can be projected onto any artwork, here, my interest lies primarily in the formal arrangement. How does the placement of the basket contribute to the overall composition? Its shape mirrors the curve of her body, anchoring her within the frame. And this adds structural support to our appreciation of her as the subject, nothing more. What do you make of her garment and head covering in relation to the rough treatment given to her features? Editor: That’s an interesting point! There is almost an anonymity to those elements. Perhaps that adds to the universality of the portrait - suggesting any old woman sitting by her cooking pot... Thank you. Curator: Indeed. These careful calculations construct both a compelling likeness and also a commentary on the mechanics of representation.