Two Women Sewing, Plate 1 from "Five Feminine Occupations" 1635 - 1657

"Two Women Sewing", made by Geertruydt Roghman around the mid-17th century, is a print realized on paper. Here, the artist depicts two women engaged in the act of sewing. The process of printmaking allows for the meticulous creation of lines and textures that define the forms and shadows, drawing the viewer into the intimate setting of the scene. The material of paper itself is crucial; its capacity to receive and retain the delicate impressions made by the engraved plate gives the image its distinctive character. The subject matter – women engaged in needlework – speaks volumes about the social context of the time. Sewing was not merely a practical necessity but a deeply gendered activity, emblematic of domesticity and female labor. Roghman elevates this everyday scene to the level of art, prompting us to consider the skills, traditions, and sheer work involved in this practice. By foregrounding the material act of making, Roghman invites us to rethink traditional art history, recognizing the significance of craft, labor, and everyday life.