Four Ladies Sitting around a Table Occupied with Needlework, Reading, and Writing; verso: Study of a Woman with Needlework 1758

"Four Ladies Sitting around a Table Occupied with Needlework, Reading, and Writing" is a graphite drawing by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, created in 1758. The drawing captures a charming scene of four women engaged in various activities, including needlework, reading, and writing, around a table. The intimate setting and the detailed depiction of the figures, their clothing, and the furnishings are characteristic of Chodowiecki's style, which often depicted everyday life and social interactions. The drawing's small size highlights the importance of careful observation and the ability to create a sense of realism within a confined space. Chodowiecki's work is celebrated for its depiction of domestic life and its social commentary, making it a valuable window into the 18th-century world.