Who painted Pancake Woman?

Pancake Woman was painted by Jacobus Buys in 1768.

Where can I see Pancake Woman?

Pancake Woman is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Pancake Woman?

Pancake Woman is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Pancake Woman

Jacobus Buys , 1768

Pancake Woman is a chalk print by the Romanticist artist Jacobus Buys. It dates from 1768 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Cornelis Ploos van Amstel’s 1768 print titled Pancake Woman presents a domestic scene rendered in black ink on laid paper. The work depicts a seated female figure holding a frying pan, positioned within a modest interior that includes a table and assorted objects. The composition captures a brief, unembellished moment of everyday activity, emphasizing the quiet focus of the subject.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a woman dressed in a long gown and headscarf, seated on a chair and engaged in the act of cooking. By isolating this routine task, the print foregrounds the ordinary labor of household life, offering a glimpse into 18th‑century domestic responsibilities without overt narrative embellishment.

Technique & Style

Executed as a chalk‑manner print, the image relies on the contrast of black ink against the textured surface of laid paper. The artist employs fine line work and subtle shading to suggest form and depth, while the blurred background maintains a sense of intimacy and concentrates attention on the figure’s gesture.

History & Provenance

Created in 1768, Pancake Woman is attributed to Dutch artist Cornelis Ploos van Amstel, known for his prints and contributions to the Dutch Enlightenment’s visual culture. The work remains catalogued within collections of 18th‑century prints, reflecting the period’s interest in genre scenes that document everyday life.