Nel Sewing before the Burtterfly Sofa 1914

Rik Wouters made this ink drawing, "Nel Sewing before the Butterfly Sofa," capturing an intimate moment in his domestic life. Wouters, working in the early 20th century, often depicted his wife, Nel, in everyday scenes, reflecting the confines and intimacies of their shared world. The use of stark black ink creates a sense of immediacy, almost as if we’re catching a glimpse of Nel’s private sphere. The act of sewing, traditionally associated with domestic femininity, frames Nel within the boundaries of home and wifely duties. Yet, there's a quiet dignity in her concentration, a subtle rebellion against the conventional roles assigned to women. As Wouters once said, “I only paint what I feel,” and here, we sense not just an observation, but an emotional connection to Nel's world. The drawing offers a glimpse into the negotiation of identity within the domestic space. It reflects both the limitations and the quiet power found in the everyday lives of women.