Seamstresses in Fine Art

5 comments

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  Margaret

  7 years ago

  I like to think that the mum and the baby have walked down to the fence to see what the older sister is up to…knitting socks for the wee one. She has paused her work, one arm at her side but yarn still threaded through her fingers, ready to resume. Something has been said, and their attention has been drawn away from the viewer. The painting shows the subdued use of color by J. Maris, who was recognized primarily as a landscape artist. Although the main subjects are in the foreground, the ethereal light in the background draws the eye. Our little knitter has the corner of her apron tucked into her waistband. The resulting pocket gives her a place to carry her things. Aprons protected garments, as people had few clothes and had to protect and keep them as clean as possible. Aprons also indicated status, were practical, and decorative. They were often the first item made by someone learning to sew. Remember home economics class? Thanks for this one, Lori. A lovely fine art post.

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  Maureen B. in B.C.

  7 years ago

  I thought the Mum looked quite wistful … perhaps imagining a different life for herself and her children. Or maybe she’s just bagged after a tough work day. We’ve all had those. Wracked by the eternal question … what will I make for dinner?

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  Laura Nunn

  7 years ago

  As someone who literally lives 10 miles north of the Rio Grande River, the scene does not even closely resemble the cross-river relationships experienced by our neighbors to the south. Not only do the ties remain strong, but people travel back & forth easily and frequently.

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  Donna Belisle

  7 years ago

  I would say that it is a very inspirational family picture and separation is not a danger as there is a stile just a few feet away.

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  Bette

  7 years ago

  Fence dividing a family…sadly, an appropriate picture for the times we live in, on so many levels.

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