La Vieille aux Loques
1858
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1858
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows a hunched figure wrapped in heavy, tattered clothes, sitting on a low stool or chair. The person’s hands are clasped in their lap, and their head is covered with a hood or scarf. The background is dark and cluttered, with shelves holding jars and other indistinct objects. Light falls unevenly, highlighting the texture of the fabric and the person’s worn-out sleeves. The artist used sharp lines and shading to show the rough texture of the clothes and the rough walls. This style was a way to focus on everyday life and ordinary people. Next, look up etching, drypoint to see how artists create prints like this.