Who painted Laundresses?

Laundresses was painted by Alexandre Calame in 1840.

Where can I see Laundresses?

Laundresses is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Laundresses?

Laundresses is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Laundresses?

Museum-quality prints of Laundresses are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Laundresses

Alexandre Calame , 1840

Laundresses is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Alexandre Calame. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Alexandre Calame’s 1840 etching titled *Laundresses* depicts a tranquil rural scene. A gentle stream winds through the composition, its banks shaded by a leaning tree and clusters of grass and shrubbery. Three women are engaged in washing garments, their figures positioned in the foreground. Overhead, a cloudy sky lends a muted, subdued light that unifies the landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of everyday labor, emphasizing the quiet rhythm of domestic chores set against nature. By focusing on the act of washing clothes, Calame highlights the connection between human activity and the surrounding environment, suggesting a harmonious coexistence and the modest dignity of work in a pastoral setting.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, the image relies on fine lines and varied hatching to render texture—from the bark of the leaning tree to the rippling water. Calame’s handling of tonal gradations creates depth, while the restrained palette of grays and earth tones reinforces the serene atmosphere, characteristic of his landscape approach.

History & Provenance

Created in 1840, the print reflects Calame’s early interest in combining topographical accuracy with atmospheric mood. While specific ownership records are limited, the piece is representative of his prolific output during the mid‑19th century, when he produced numerous prints that documented Alpine and rural scenes for a growing European audience.