Le savetier
1774
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1774
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows three people in a cozy room. One woman is sitting on a chair, holding a fan and looking down. Another woman is kneeling on the floor, holding a piece of paper and pointing at it. A child sits beside her, reaching out toward the paper. The room has a fireplace with a cat curled up near it, and a framed picture hangs on the wall. Notice how the artist used shading to make the scene feel warm and lived-in. The clothes and furniture look simple but detailed, like a snapshot of everyday life. If you like this, check out etching to see how artists create depth with just lines.