Dame met kleine hond 1878

Ernest-Ange Duez created this print, ‘Dame met kleine hond’, using the etching process. This involves drawing into a wax ground on a metal plate with a sharp needle, and then immersing the plate in acid, which bites away the exposed lines. The plate is then inked and printed. The resulting image is a study in contrasts. Duez captures the texture of the woman’s elaborate dress. The fur trim, the striped waistcoat, and the little dog she carries are all brought to life through the careful use of line. But it’s the social context embedded in the etching that fascinates. The print's monochrome aesthetic belies the opulence of the woman’s attire, reflecting the fashion of the time. The production of such garments would have involved numerous skilled artisans. The etching captures a moment in time, reflecting the social and economic realities of late 19th-century society. Recognizing the labor and materials involved helps us appreciate the rich layers of meaning in even a seemingly simple image.