De jonge tekenaar c. 1750 - 1775

Gilles Demarteau created this chalk-manner engraving, called 'The Young Draftsman,' in Paris. The print gives us an intimate glimpse into the artistic practices and the construction of identity during his time. The young artist gazes off to the right, with his hand posed with a quill. There is a softness to the features, an almost wistful sense of longing, which are somewhat feminine-coded. Demarteau was known for his skill in imitating the texture of chalk or crayon drawings through engraving, a technique that allowed for the wide dissemination of images. What does it mean to see a young male artist represented with such sensitivity and grace during this period? Is Demarteau challenging or reinforcing the societal norms of gender and artistic expression? This image encourages us to consider how artistic identity is shaped, performed, and perceived, inviting us to reflect on the emotional and cultural landscapes that define who we are and what we create.