Artwork

Seated Woman Embroidering

Seated Woman Embroidering, by Various Artists, ink, 1784
Seated Woman Embroidering, by Various Artists, ink, 1784

Seated Woman Embroidering is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Various Artists. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Seated Woman Embroidering is a print featuring a tender scene of a woman and child. The artwork combines various techniques to create a delicate, intricate image on silk satin.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman seated and embroidering, accompanied by a standing child, framed within an oval. The surrounding vines and golden vase evoke a sense of domesticity and natural beauty.

Technique & Style

The artwork employs a range of techniques, including color etching, wash manner, stipple engraving, gold leaf, and hand coloring with silver paint. The combination of these methods achieves a soft, detailed effect, with pale blues, greens, and golds dominating the color palette.

History & Provenance

The condition of the print suggests age, with the silver paint having tarnished and the silk satin showing signs of wear.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.