Artwork

Woman Scrubbing the Floor

Woman Scrubbing the Floor, by Daniel Maclise, 1825
Woman Scrubbing the Floor, by Daniel Maclise, 1825

Woman Scrubbing the Floor is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Daniel Maclise. It dates from 1825 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Woman Scrubbing the Floor is a pencil drawing by Daniel Maclise, depicting a woman in everyday domestic labor. The piece is characterized by quick, rough lines, capturing a moment of physical effort.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman in a bonnet and long skirts, is portrayed in a state of intense activity, scrubbing the floor with a brush, accompanied by a nearby bucket and mop. The focus is on conveying movement and labor rather than intricate detail.

Technique & Style

Maclise employed rapid, loose strokes to create a sense of immediacy and realism, prioritizing the depiction of dynamic movement over meticulous rendering of details.

History & Provenance

This drawing is part of a extensive collection of 390 works by Maclise and other notable artists (including Calderon, T.S. Cooper, and Landseer), housed in a multi-frame pillar stand.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Daniel Maclise

Artist

Daniel Maclise

Daniel Maclise (25 January 1806 – 25 April 1870) was an Irish history painter, literary and portrait painter, and illustrator, who worked for most of his life in London, England.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Woman Scrubbing the Floor?

Woman Scrubbing the Floor was painted by Daniel Maclise in 1825.

Where can I see Woman Scrubbing the Floor?

Woman Scrubbing the Floor is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Woman Scrubbing the Floor?

Woman Scrubbing the Floor is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Woman Scrubbing the Floor?

Museum-quality prints of Woman Scrubbing the Floor are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.