Vrouw in Venetiaanse kleding 1658 - 1677

This mezzotint, depicting a woman in Venetian dress, was created by Wallerant Vaillant in the 17th century. Mezzotint is an intaglio printmaking process that allows for rich tonal range and subtle gradations of light and shadow, achieved by roughening the metal plate with a tool called a rocker, and then smoothing areas to create the image. Vaillant's mastery of mezzotint is evident in the way he captures the textures of the woman's clothing and the soft light on her face. The process requires a high level of skill and control, as the artist must carefully manipulate the surface of the plate to create the desired effect. The social context of this work is also significant. In the 17th century, Venice was a major center of trade and culture, and its fashions were highly sought after. By depicting the woman in Venetian dress, Vaillant is making a statement about her status and sophistication, reflecting the dynamics of labor, class, and consumption in this period. Through its material and the making process, the print invites us to consider the social and cultural values attached to luxury goods and the ways in which they were circulated and consumed in early modern Europe.