Tekenende vrouw 1658 - 1677

Wallerant Vaillant created this mezzotint, ‘Tekenende vrouw’, sometime in the 17th century. The image is steeped in a monochrome palette of blacks, greys and whites and evokes a sense of quiet study. Notice how Vaillant uses the mezzotint technique to create subtle tonal gradations, building depth and volume through carefully modulated shades. The light gently illuminates the woman's face and hands, drawing our attention to her act of drawing. The composition, though seemingly simple, is carefully arranged. The lines of the easel, the model's stand, and even the architectural elements in the background, create a complex interplay of verticals and horizontals. Vaillant destabilizes conventional portrayals of women by depicting her not merely as a subject, but as an active creator. The very texture of the mezzotint, with its velvety blacks and soft transitions, invites a re-evaluation of traditional artistic hierarchies and the role of women within them.