Zittende vrouw die aardappels schilt 1809 - 1869

Alexander Cranendoncq made this pencil drawing of a woman peeling potatoes sometime in the 19th century. During this period, women in Europe often faced limited social and economic opportunities, and were frequently confined to domestic roles. Cranendoncq’s choice to depict this woman performing a mundane, domestic task reflects the reality of many women’s lives at that time. The woman’s downcast gaze evokes a sense of quiet resignation or perhaps a deep focus on her task. Her simple clothing and headscarf mark her as working class. Consider the quiet dignity of the sitter, as well as the way the artist has captured an ordinary moment in the life of a working woman. Through this intimate portrayal, Cranendoncq invites us to reflect on the everyday experiences and the often-overlooked contributions of women in 19th-century society.