Who painted Old Woman with a Distaff?

Old Woman with a Distaff was painted by Enea Vico in 1545.

Where can I see Old Woman with a Distaff?

Old Woman with a Distaff is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Old Woman with a Distaff?

Old Woman with a Distaff is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Old Woman with a Distaff

Enea Vico , 1545

Old Woman with a Distaff is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Enea Vico. It dates from 1545 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Old Woman with a Distaff is an engraving created by Enea Vico in 1545. It is a representative work of Vico, an Italian engraver active in the 16th century.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts an elderly woman standing in a dimly lit room, holding a distaff and spindle, tools associated with spinning. Her attire and the domestic setting evoke a sense of everyday life, while the classical influence is evident in the figure's depiction.

Technique & Style

Vico's engraving showcases his skill in capturing texture and detail through fine lines and shading, particularly in the rendering of the woman's clothing and the wooden distaff. The level of detail achieved was notable for the engraving technique at the time.

History & Provenance

Enea Vico was born in Parma in 1523 and worked for prominent patrons, including Cosimo I de' Medici and Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara, before his death in Ferrara in 1567. His work was influenced by classical sources and antique paintings.

Artist & collection

Artist

Enea Vico

Enea Vico (29 January 1523 – 18 August 1567) was an Italian engraver. Vico was born in Parma. He specialized in grotesque engravings based on antique paintings. Vico made engravings for Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke…