A Study, Gutach Possibly 1894 - 1896

Alfred Stieglitz captured this image of a woman spinning wool in Gutach. The spinning wheel, an ancient tool, is central here; its circular form and the act of spinning itself carry deep symbolic weight. Spinning, historically a domestic task, has ties to fate and time. Think of the Greek Moirai, the Fates, spinning the thread of life. This motif reappears across cultures, embodying creation, destiny, and the cyclical nature of existence. In folklore, spinning is often linked to female virtue and industry. Here, the woman’s focused gaze and hands engaged in this age-old task evoke a sense of timelessness, connecting her to a long line of women who have performed this essential craft. The act of spinning becomes a symbol of cultural memory, a gesture passed down through generations.