Twee vrouwenhoofden 1773 - 1777

These two studies of women's heads were made by Jean François Janinet using the technique of crayon manner engraving. This method, popular in the late 18th century, mimicked the soft, chalky appearance of crayon or pastel drawings. Janinet achieved this effect through a complex process. He used a variety of tools, including roulettes, needles, and etching techniques, to create a dense network of tiny dots and lines on the copper plate. These textures are visible throughout the print, softening the outlines of the women's faces and hair, giving it a delicate, almost ethereal quality. The final print, in a warm sanguine tone, gives a sense of immediacy, as though glimpsing a sketch straight from the artist's studio. Yet this belies the technical skill and labor involved in producing the image. Crayon manner engravings were highly valued for their aesthetic appeal and were collected by connoisseurs who appreciated the artistry and craftsmanship involved in their creation. We see both art and craft meeting in this single sheet of paper.