The Old Flemish Woman (La Vieille Flamande)
Medium
black ink on paper
Dimensions
sheet: 4 7/8 x 4 3/4 in. (12.4 x 12.1 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Lucien Goldschmidt, 1972
Accession Number
1972.731
Tags
Art Historical Context
Félicien Rops, a pioneering Belgian artist of the 19th century captures the essence of everyday character in his undated drawing *The Old Flemish Woman (La Vie Flamande)*. Known for his bold Symbolist and Realist influences, Rops often explored the human figure with a satirical edge, blending intricate detail with psychological depth. This intimate portrait likely evokes the rugged spirit of Flemish folk life, portraying an elderly woman as a vivid archetype of regional identity. Rendered in black ink on paper, the work measures just 4 7/8 x 4 3/4 inches, highlighting Rops' mastery of line wo...
About the Artist
Félicien Rops · 1833–1898
Félicien Rops, born Félicien Victor Joseph Rops on July 7, 1833, in Namur, Belgium, to a prosperous textile manufacturing family, displayed prodigious artistic talent from youth. The only child of Nicholas Rops and Sophie Maubile, he received private tutoring until age ten, followed by education at a Jesuit school in Namur (1843–1848), the Athénée Royal de Namur, and the Academy of Fine Arts there...