Marta 1595 - 1599

Karel van Mallery’s ‘Marta,’ an engraving at the Rijksmuseum, depicts Martha from the Bible, identifiable by her attribute, a skimmer. She stands here holding the skimmer, which, within the context of the Gospels, symbolizes her role as the busy, industrious housekeeper in contrast to her sister Mary. Consider this skimmer, a tool for mundane, domestic tasks, yet imbued with symbolic weight. We see similar objects across cultures—spatulas, brooms, and cooking utensils—each carrying the cultural weight of the domestic sphere. The keys hanging from her waist are another such symbol: keys to the house and to her domain, keys that signify order and control. Think of how often we see figures burdened, or empowered, by the tools of their trade. Like the scales of Justice, or the shepherd’s crook, the skimmer in Martha’s hand becomes an emblem of her identity, a representation of her service and dedication. Such visual motifs tap into our collective memory, resonating on a subconscious level. They engage us emotionally, stirring deep-seated associations about duty, diligence, and domesticity. Thus, this skimmer becomes a potent symbol, echoing through art history, resurfacing and evolving across centuries.