A Woman Spinning and a Fisherman 1610 - 1677

Thomas Wijck’s etching captures a scene where labor and decay intertwine, featuring a woman spinning and a fisherman against a backdrop of crumbling architecture. The spinning wheel she uses is a symbol of domesticity and industry, reminiscent of classical myths like that of Arachne. The decay of the building is not merely ruin, but a symbol of time's relentless march, a memento mori, echoing images of mortality found in Renaissance art. These figures carry a visual echo of pastoral scenes, yet the setting is far from idyllic. This juxtaposition invites us to reflect on how symbols persist, transformed by time and context. The psychological impact is profound as we witness the persistence of life amidst decay, a reminder of the cyclical nature of existence deeply embedded in our collective memory.