Dame med lille barn på skødet 1745 - 1802

This portrait of a woman and child is rendered with delicate strokes of graphite and subtle washes of color on paper. Though anonymous, this sketch offers a glimpse into the world of 18th-century domestic life. The artist's process emphasizes line and form, carefully delineating the subjects’ clothing and features. The soft shading creates depth and volume, highlighting the textures of the woman’s elaborate lace cap and the child’s ruffled dress. These fabrics signal a certain social class, where finely crafted textiles were markers of status and wealth. Consider the labor involved in producing such garments, from the cultivation of cotton or flax to the spinning, weaving, and lacemaking. These processes, often performed by skilled artisans, contributed to a complex economy of production and consumption. By focusing on the materials and making of this portrait, we recognize how art is entangled with broader social and economic structures, challenging the traditional separation of art from craft and everyday life.