Two Women Sewing, Plate 1 from "Five Feminine Occupations" 1635 - 1657

This etching, "Two Women Sewing," is the first plate from Geertruydt Roghman's series, "Five Feminine Occupations." Created between 1635 and 1657, the artwork depicts two women in a domestic setting, one seated in a chair sewing, the other sitting on a stool, likely mending or embroidering. The piece is a fine example of Roghman's talent for capturing everyday scenes and the details of female domestic life, highlighting the importance of women's contributions to the home. The strong use of light and shadow, along with the meticulous detail in the figures and furnishings, give the artwork a sense of realism and intimacy. The etching's composition and subject matter are characteristic of Dutch Golden Age art, focusing on the everyday activities of ordinary people. It is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.