Le pate d'anguilles
1773
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1773
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a busy kitchen scene with four people working together. A woman kneels by a table, handing food to a child standing on a chair. Two other kids—one on a stool, one leaning over the table—reach for dishes. Above them, a fireplace holds a pot and a child peeking out. The floor is scattered with bowls and plates, and a cat sits nearby. The artist used shading to show textures like fabric and wood, making the scene feel real. This style was common in the Baroque period, where everyday life was often turned into art. Next, look up etching, drypoint, aquatint to see how artists like Patas made these detailed prints.