Aan den arbeid 1867 - 1924

'Aan den arbeid' or 'at work' is an etching by Ferdinand Oldewelt, made in the late 19th century. During this period, industrialization began to change labor practices, yet many continued with traditional crafts. The image portrays a woman working with a spinning wheel in a modest interior. The scene is a stark depiction of domestic labor, a common theme in 19th-century art, and the print evokes the quiet diligence of daily life. Oldewelt's careful rendering brings attention to the texture of the wool and the rough wood of the spinning wheel. However, looking closer, one might ask questions about who is represented and who is not. The woman's downturned gaze and the shadowy interior also reflect the socio-economic realities of working-class women whose labor often went unnoticed. The artwork therefore invites us to consider the intersections of gender, labor, and visibility, prompting reflection on the unsung efforts that underpin the fabric of society.