Woman and Child with Distaff

About this work

This engraving shows a woman in a long robe holding a small child and a distaff, a tool used for spinning wool. The woman's hair is covered, and she wears a cloak over her shoulders. The child is wrapped in a cloth and rests its head on the woman's shoulder. The woman's face is serene, and her eyes are cast downward. The child's face is also calm, and its eyes are closed. The distaff is held in the woman's right hand, and her left hand supports the child. The engraving is done in fine detail, with cross-hatching used to create texture and depth. The overall effect is one of quiet intimacy. To learn more about the technique of engraving, look up cross-hatching.