The spinner 

Silvestro Lega sketched "The Spinner" in pencil, a sensitive study of a woman engaged in the traditional craft of spinning. Lega was one of the Macchiaioli, a group of Italian painters active in Tuscany in the second half of the 19th century, who rebelled against the academic conventions of the time. The Macchiaioli sought to represent reality with honesty and immediacy, often focusing on everyday scenes and the lives of ordinary people. This sketch embodies their progressive ideals, depicting a working woman with dignity and respect, rather than idealizing her. Lega, along with his contemporaries, often met at the Caffè Michelangiolo in Florence, where they discussed art and politics, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards social realism. Understanding this drawing requires delving into the social history of 19th-century Italy, where economic changes and political movements were transforming traditional ways of life. Archival materials, such as letters, exhibition catalogs, and contemporary reviews, can provide valuable insights into the artist's intentions and the cultural context in which this artwork was created.