Naaiende vrouw, zittend aan een tafel c. 1915

Rik Wouters made this drawing, *Naaiende vrouw, zittend aan een tafel*, with pen and brush in grey and black ink. The monochromatic tones and the expressive strokes of the brush suggest a sense of immediacy. Wouters captured a fleeting moment of domestic life, which is imbued with social significance. The act of sewing, traditionally associated with women's work, highlights the importance of labor and craftsmanship within the household. The woman's concentration and the artist's attention to detail emphasize the value of skilled handwork and its role in sustaining everyday life. By depicting this intimate scene, Wouters elevates the ordinary, inviting viewers to contemplate the social and cultural context of domestic labor and its contribution to the broader fabric of society. It's a moving portrait of the unsung work of women, a crucial element of society. As this piece shows, the materials, the making, and the social context are all critical to understanding the full meaning of art.