Begroeting tussen man en vrouw aan kerkportaal 1780

Marie-Elisabeth Thibault created this print, entitled *Begroeting tussen man en vrouw aan kerkportaal*, using etching, a printmaking process that uses acid to create lines in a metal plate. The appearance of this image is entirely dependent on the fine lines that have been bitten into the metal. Ink is then applied to the plate and carefully wiped away, remaining only in the etched lines. This process requires great skill to manage the acid's effects, which determine the depth and darkness of the lines. The image offers a glimpse into a world defined by social hierarchy and elaborate ritual. The clothing and the architecture speak of a privileged class, where every gesture and encounter is carefully choreographed. Thibault has captured not just a moment, but an entire social fabric, woven with rules of etiquette and expectations of status. Recognizing these production elements allows us to see the print not just as an image, but as a window into a world of labor, class, and privilege.