Moeder en dochter op weg naar de kerk 1806 - 1812

This print by Ludwig Gottlieb Portman depicts a mother and daughter on their way to church. The lithograph was made with a stone, a relatively new printing technology at the time, allowing for a greater distribution of images. Notice the women's clothing, likely made of wool or linen, with a simple cut and construction. These textiles speak to the labor involved in clothing production and consumption; cloth was precious and time consuming to produce, with every stage from cultivation to weaving done by hand. The artist meticulously captures the fine details of the women's attire, from the lace trim on the mother's cape to the delicate folds of the daughter's gown. The women’s social status is evident in the quality of their garments. By considering the materials and making processes, we can gain a richer understanding of this artwork beyond its aesthetic appeal, reflecting the socio-economic context of the time.