Drei stehende Bäuerinnen, die linke von vorne, die mittlere vom Rücken, die rechte im Profil nach links gesehen c. 1771 - 1772

Georg Melchior Kraus made this watercolor of three standing peasant women. With delicate washes and simple lines, Kraus captured not just their likeness but the very essence of rural life. Look closely at the paper itself, its slight imperfections, and the way the colors pool and bleed, creating subtle textures. The artist's hand is evident in every stroke, a direct connection to the act of creation. These women probably wore clothes they had made themselves from raw materials available to them, like wool. It is their clothing, so visibly homespun and hand-sewn, which places them within a social context of labor. In its directness and simplicity, the artwork prompts us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of making. It invites us to appreciate the skill and artistry inherent in everyday life, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.