Jonge vrouw met een hoed en een staf bij een fruitboom 1751 - 1816

This engraving of a young woman with a hat and staff by a fruit tree was made by Reinier Vinkeles around the turn of the 19th century. The process of engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the image. This was a common technique for mass-producing images at the time, allowing for wider dissemination of art and information. Vinkeles was a master of this meticulous craft, as evidenced by the precise lines and delicate shading in this print. Engraving was also a highly skilled trade, requiring years of training and practice. As such, the value of the work lay not only in its aesthetic appeal, but also in the labor and expertise required to produce it. This piece reminds us that even seemingly simple images can carry a rich history of skill, labor, and cultural significance.