A Young Woman Fixing Her Hair c. 1745

Domenico Maggiotto created this drawing of a young woman fixing her hair using chalk on paper sometime in the 18th century. It is a study of a moment of domestic intimacy, and it reflects the growing interest in the everyday lives of women during the Enlightenment. Consider Venice, where Maggiotto was based. Venetian society was known for its elaborate social rituals and its complex hierarchy of social classes. At the same time, there was a growing emphasis on individual expression and personal freedom. The image provides a glimpse into the private lives of women, who were often excluded from the public sphere. The woman's simple clothing and unadorned hair suggest a departure from the elaborate fashions of the Venetian aristocracy. The historian can access period sources like fashion plates, diaries, and conduct books to gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context of the artwork. Art is never created in a vacuum, and its meaning is always shaped by the social and institutional forces that surround it.