De Spinster 1741 - 1820

Abraham Delfos created this hand-colored etching titled "The Spinner" in the 18th century. The image portrays a woman, seated and spinning thread, her small dog nestled in her lap. During the 1700s, women like this one occupied a complex position in society. On the one hand, they were confined to the domestic sphere, their identities often defined by their roles as wives and mothers. On the other, they played an essential part in the pre-industrial economy, contributing to household income through activities like spinning. Delfos captures this tension, highlighting the woman's labor while simultaneously emphasizing the intimacy of her domestic setting. Spinning, in particular, became a loaded symbol, often associated with virtue, industry, and female submission. But perhaps this woman, with her focused gaze and capable hands, represents something more—a quiet assertion of female agency within the confines of her world. The inclusion of the dog adds another layer, suggesting companionship and emotional support in a life of repetitive work. This etching is a tender look at the intersection of labor, domesticity, and identity in the 18th century.