Oude vrouw met boek 1628 - 1648

This is 'Oude vrouw met boek', made by Jan Matham around the mid-17th century, using the technique of engraving. It’s a powerful image, rendered entirely through the deliberate action of a hand using a tool, cutting into a copper plate. Look closely, and you'll notice how the density of the lines creates the shading and texture, defining the folds of the woman's headdress, the wrinkles in her face, and the pages of the book she holds. Consider the time and skill involved in such a process. Every line is a decision, a mark of labor that contributes to the overall composition. This wasn't a quick sketch, but a carefully constructed image, reflecting the cultural values around craft and artistry, where time-consuming techniques were highly valued. Matham’s print also reflects a wider context of labor and class. While he may have belonged to a more privileged class than the older woman in the image, his artistic practice was itself a form of work, demanding dexterity, patience, and dedication. The focus on materials, making, and context invites us to appreciate the artwork beyond its aesthetic value, to acknowledge the labor invested in its creation, and to question traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.