Kantontwerp van een ovaal kleed met vlinders in witte inkt op zwart karton c. 1920 - 1935

J.H. Pleging-Faber rendered this design for an oval lace cloth in white ink on black cardboard. The medium in particular speaks to a time when women were often relegated to so-called ‘feminine crafts.’ It appears that Pleging-Faber appropriated these materials to assert her creative vision. We may see this artwork as a commentary on women's labor, both celebrating it and subtly critiquing its limitations. This piece goes beyond mere decoration. The butterflies might symbolize transformation and freedom, subtly challenging the constraints placed on women in society. The stark contrast of white on black heightens the visual impact, drawing our eye to the intricate details and demanding attention. It’s impossible to know the artist's intentions, but we might think about how Pleging-Faber, through this design, sought to redefine the boundaries of her artistic and social space, while inviting us to contemplate the complex interplay between gender, creativity, and societal expectations.