Een vrouw luist een man 1655 - 1700

Jan van Somer made this print, "Een vrouw luist een man," using etching techniques. The stark contrasts and fine lines are achieved by coating a metal plate with wax, drawing into it, and then submerging it in acid. The acid bites away the exposed lines, which then hold ink for printing. The image, depicting a woman delousing a man, while another pours liquid on him, offers a glimpse into the material realities of the time. The scene is not romanticized; instead, we see the gritty aspects of daily life, perhaps even the rough humor of it. The composition and subject matter challenge traditional distinctions between high and low art. It elevates the everyday to a subject worthy of artistic attention, much like the later Realist movement. Somer's choice of printmaking, a process capable of producing multiples, suggests an intention to disseminate this image widely, making it accessible to a broad audience, and underscoring its social commentary. By understanding both the materials and the social context of its making, we gain a richer appreciation of its significance.