Drinkende dame

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

"Drinkende dame" (Drinking Lady), created by Dutch artist Wallerant Vaillant 1658 and 1677, captures a poised female figure in a moment of quiet indulgence. Vaillant, a master engraver active during the Dutch Golden Age, was renowned for his innovative mezzotint technique, which produced velvety tones mimicking oil paintings. This work on paper, measuring 332 mm high by 279 mm wide, exemplifies his skill in rendering intimate, everyday scenes with remarkable depth and realism. The mezzotint process, pioneered by Vaillant, involved roughening a copper plate to hold ink in shadows, then scraping highlights—a revolutionary method that brought printmaking closer to painting's richness. As one of his genre prints, "Drinkende dame" reflects 17th-century Dutch interest in domestic life and subtle character studies, evoking the era's tavern culture and social norms around leisure. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2228, this piece hails from a distinguished provenance, underscoring its enduring appeal among connoisseurs. Visitors will appreciate how Vaillant's artistry bridges technique and storytelling, offering a window into Baroque-era elegance.

About the Artist

Wallerant Vaillant · 1623–1677

Wallerant Vaillant (1623-1677) was a French-born Dutch Golden Age painter and printmaker who pioneered the mezzotint technique in printmaking. Born in Lille on May 30, 1623, he died in Amsterdam on August 28, 1677, leaving behind a significant legacy as both a portraitist and innovator in graphic arts. Vaillant holds a distinguished place in art history as one of the first professional artists to...