The Virgin sewing, two angels and a putto surrounding her, after Reni 1759 - 1806

Jacques Bouillard created this print titled 'The Virgin sewing, two angels and a putto surrounding her, after Reni' in the late 18th century. Bouillard, working in a pre-revolutionary France, draws on religious iconography to explore themes of femininity and domesticity through the figure of the Virgin Mary. Here, she’s not depicted in regal splendor but rather in the quiet act of sewing, surrounded by cherubic figures. The print hints at the era's complex relationship with women’s roles: idealized yet confined. Sewing, a task often associated with women, becomes a focal point, subtly underscoring prevailing social expectations. The choice to depict a moment of quiet domesticity, imbued with religious significance, speaks volumes about the cultural values and societal expectations placed upon women during this period. This image can be seen as both a reflection of and a subtle commentary on the identity of women.