Artwork
Plaiting Cord
Plaiting Cord is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work depicts a solitary individual seated on a low bench, engaged in the act of cord making.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a solitary individual seated on a low bench, engaged in the act of cord making. A spool bearing a cream‑colored ball of cord rests in the figure’s hand, while several finished balls lie scattered on the floor. The scene is set against an unadorned, light‑toned background, emphasizing the quiet concentration of the task.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a moment of domestic labor, highlighting the routine of cord or thread production. By isolating the figure and the tools, the image conveys a sense of focused craftsmanship, suggesting the value of everyday work within the broader context of trade and manual skill.
Technique & Style
Rendered with smooth, controlled brushstrokes, the painting maintains a clean, uncluttered surface. Soft, muted hues—particularly blues and purples in the garment—lend a calm atmosphere, while the precise rendering of the spindle and cord demonstrates careful observation of material texture.
History & Provenance
This image forms part of a numbered series of twenty‑four illustrations intended for a trade‑related album, catalogued as D.322‑1894. The series was produced for instructional or documentary purposes, reflecting the period’s interest in cataloguing occupational practices.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
