Frau Gottfried von Herder c. 1786

Johann Friedrich Bierlein rendered this delicate portrait of Frau Gottfried von Herder in pencil on paper. While seemingly traditional, the drawing engages with the wider social issues of labor and consumption. Consider the dress of the sitter: the frills, lace, and ornamentation of the garment were only possible by the labor and skills of seamstresses and textile workers. These intricate designs involved complex weaving, embroidery, and lacemaking techniques, and the production process required the labor of many individuals. This image provides insights into the amount of work involved in clothing production, and the value of craftsmanship at the time. This drawing invites us to consider not only the sitter, but also the network of makers who contributed to her image and status. By focusing on the labor involved in such a delicate work, we appreciate the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.