The Virtuous Woman c. 1655

Nicolaes Maes created this painting, "The Virtuous Woman," using oil paints, a medium that allows for rich colors and detailed textures. Look closely, and you'll see how the qualities of the paint itself influence what's depicted. The brushstrokes bring out the textures of the woven basket, the folds of the fabric, and the sheen of the wooden furniture. In many ways, the domestic virtues are tied to labor. The paintings within the painting, the open book on the chair, the sewing in her hands, all speak to a lived life. The checkered floor adds another layer, a visual anchor that suggests a certain solidity and order. Maes’s technical skill in using oil paints brings this scene to life, capturing the essence of daily life and quiet industry. By focusing on the materials and making of the painting, we can better understand the cultural and social values that Maes was trying to convey, and maybe question distinctions between fine art and the everyday artistry of living.