Meisje met bal staand voor een man 1700 - 1800

This small watercolor, "Meisje met bal staand voor een man" (Girl with ball standing in front of a man), was made by W. Barthautz using paper and delicate applications of watercolor. The artist's technique allows us to appreciate not just the forms, but the textures and patterns of the subjects' clothing. Notice the details of the girl's apron, with its woven red and white check, contrasting the man's fur hat and sturdy boots. The layered brushstrokes create depth in the heavy fabrics of the man's coat, suggesting their weight and warmth. While the scene may appear simple, the artist's attention to detail invites consideration of labor and social status. We see the care taken in rendering the garments, each brushstroke a testament to the unseen work of spinners, weavers, tailors, and cobblers. These everyday trades and materials are elevated through Barthautz’s artistic practice, reminding us that the objects we often overlook are imbued with cultural significance and human effort.