Vrouw op een ladder en een vegende vrouw c. 1656 - 1657

Editor: This is a pen sketch called "Vrouw op een ladder en een vegende vrouw" by Moses ter Borch, created around 1656-1657. It depicts two women, one climbing a ladder and another sweeping. I find the depiction of everyday labour interesting. What strikes you most about this work? Curator: I am intrigued by how Ter Borch’s sketch presents a glimpse into the domestic sphere of the Dutch Golden Age, a period often romanticized, while reminding us of the realities of labour, particularly for women. What social commentaries might Ter Borch be making here, considering that genre scenes during this time often subtly reflected the societal positions of individuals, especially women? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn’t considered it as a social commentary. It makes me wonder about the tasks they're performing. It is just happenstance, or is Ter Borch making a pointed comment about how the burden is shared -- or not? Curator: Precisely. Think about how representations of women were constructed and consumed. Does this sketch subvert, or perhaps reinforce, prevailing notions of women’s roles and worth during the Baroque period? What narratives do you think were intended versus what resonates with our contemporary lens? Editor: I guess it's difficult to know for sure without more context. However, looking at it now, it's interesting to consider how art from this era served both as documentation and potential critique of the societal norms related to women. Curator: Absolutely. Examining the image with these questions allows us to engage with the artwork beyond its aesthetic qualities, prompting a critical dialogue between the artwork’s historical context and our contemporary values. I will certainly consider that context moving forward. Editor: Me too, thanks for your input.