Interieur met vrouw die aardappels schilt 1878 - 1910

Léopold Haeck made this etching, "Interior with woman peeling potatoes," sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. It captures a scene of domestic labor, a woman absorbed in the repetitive task of preparing food. Made in Belgium, this image resonates with a broader European trend of artists turning their attention to the lives of the working class. The humble interior, featuring the striking presence of the grandfather clock, speaks volumes about the social conditions shaping everyday life. It subtly critiques the social structures of its time by drawing the viewer's attention to the often-unseen labor that sustains society. Understanding this artwork requires us to look beyond its formal qualities and delve into the social and institutional context in which it was created. Historical archives, census data, and studies of domestic life from this period become invaluable tools for interpreting its meaning and its commentary on the existing social norms.