Women spinning, weaving and sewing 1520 - 1580

This engraving, made in Italy around the mid-16th century by the artist known only as Master FG, presents an idealized vision of women engaged in textile production. The imagery draws heavily from classical antiquity. Notice the women's garments, hairstyles, and the architectural setting which evoke ancient Greece and Rome. In Renaissance Italy, this classical style was often used to ennoble or elevate its subjects. This print idealizes the labour, and perhaps even alludes to the classical myth of the weaving contest between Athena and Arachne. What could have motivated this artist and his patrons? The rise of a wealthy merchant class in Italy created a demand for luxury goods, including textiles. The artist elevates this industry, associating it with the virtue and skill of the classical world. To gain a richer understanding of this image, one could explore the history of textile production in Renaissance Italy, the role of women in that industry, and the revival of classical styles in the art of the period.