Den nonchalante (La Nonchalante) 1770

Louise Gaillard made this etching, "Den nonchalante," using a metal plate and acid. This printmaking method, common at the time, allowed for the creation of multiple images. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the etching lines define the woman's form, creating delicate textures in her clothing. Consider the social context: prints like these circulated widely, offering glimpses into fashion and ideals of feminine presentation. Her elaborate dress, complete with frills and a feathered hat, speaks to the labor involved in producing such garments – the skilled seamstresses, embroiderers, and milliners who contributed to the fashion industry. "Nonchalante" means "nonchalant" in French. This print isn't just a pretty picture; it's a product of its time, reflecting the complex interplay of craft, labor, and social identity in 18th-century society. By recognizing these processes, we appreciate how prints moved through society as both art and commodity.