Doing stocking 1891

Joan Brull painted 'Doing Stocking' with oil on canvas, but the date remains unknown. This artwork offers a glimpse into the daily life of a child, inviting us to consider the social and cultural expectations placed upon women, even at a young age. The girl’s focused expression draws our attention to the task at hand: knitting. Images of women engaged in domestic activities were common in late 19th-century painting, reflecting the period’s emphasis on women’s roles within the home. The location of Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain, suggests that this artwork can be read in the context of Catalan identity and the rise of Catalan modernism. Understanding the social and economic conditions of the time requires us to turn to a range of historical sources, including census records, fashion magazines, and local newspapers. In doing so, we gain a richer understanding of the artwork’s social meaning.