Who painted A silk-weaver and his wife?

A silk-weaver and his wife was painted by Unknown in 1805.

Where can I see A silk-weaver and his wife?

A silk-weaver and his wife is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is A silk-weaver and his wife?

A silk-weaver and his wife is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

A silk-weaver and his wife

Unknown , 1805

A silk-weaver and his wife is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work portrays a silk‑weaver and his spouse standing outdoors on a light‑colored ground.

About this work

Overview

The work portrays a silk‑weaver and his spouse standing outdoors on a light‑colored ground. The pair are rendered in muted tones, with the man holding a red‑gold staff that resembles a weaving implement, while the woman carries an orange‑hued pouch. A faint sky and distant trees form a simple backdrop, emphasizing the everyday nature of the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on a domestic laborer and his partner, illustrating the craft of silk production. By presenting the couple in a relaxed pose, the image conveys the routine of textile work rather than a dramatic narrative, offering insight into the social role of weavers within their community.

Technique & Style

Executed in a delicate palette of purples, golds, reds, and whites, the painting employs fine detailing to depict clothing, jewelry, and the weaving tool. The soft coloration and restrained background suggest a modest, observational approach typical of genre scenes that document daily occupations.

History & Provenance

This piece belongs to an album comprising thirty‑six illustrations that record various trades, occupations, and costumes. Each vignette in the collection shares a common setting of palm and other trees, situating the figures within a broader survey of contemporary work life.

Context

The album’s focus on occupational themes reflects a period interest in cataloguing societal roles and attire. By including a silk‑weaver, the series acknowledges the importance of textile production in the economy and cultural identity of the era.