Las Hilanderas (The Spinners)

Las Hilanderas (The Spinners)

Francisco Muntaner

1796

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows four women working in a dimly lit room. One spins thread at a wheel, another winds yarn on a reel, and a child sits nearby. Behind them, a large painting on the wall depicts a group of figures in classical robes. The room has simple furniture, a ladder, and a small table with tools. The artist used fine lines to show the women’s focused hands and the texture of their clothes. The background painting adds depth, making the room feel like a stage. Look up etching to see how artists like this create detailed prints with acid and metal plates.

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