Zittende oude vrouw knipt haar nagels 1764

Johann Gottfried Haid created this piece, "Zittende oude vrouw knipt haar nagels," using mezzotint. This work offers a glimpse into the lives of elderly women in the 18th century, a period where their stories were often marginalized. Haid's choice of subject challenges the traditional art historical focus on youth and beauty, giving dignity and visibility to aging. This mezzotint captures an intimate moment of self-care, as the woman meticulously trims her nails. The detailed rendering of her aged face and hands invites us to reflect on the passage of time and the narratives etched into our bodies. What does it mean to center the experience and image of an older woman? How might her lived experience of gender and class influence the simple, yet profound act of caring for oneself? This work is a moment of quiet contemplation, prompting us to reconsider the value and representation of women in art history.