Old Woman with a Book
Original title: Old Woman with a Book
kurzbeschreibung
An elderly woman holds a book in her hands in this portrait from the Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory in Saint Petersburg. It is believed to date from the late 18th century. The portrait was woven in wool and metal thread; the sitter appears in traditional clothing with a head covering and coat. The work reflects the manufactory's skilled tapestry weaving.
Description
Seated on a chair, the older woman holds a book in her hands. Her head covering and coat are rendered with precise attention to texture. Her expression is serious and thoughtful. A dark room with a dimly lit window forms the background. Beside her, a cloth lies on a table. The image is in black and white; at the top appears the name 'PREMBRANTZ'.
Context
The Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory in Saint Petersburg was founded in 1716 by Peter the Great; until the 19th century it produced luxurious wall hangings. This portrait dates from the late 18th century, when the manufactory was known for its high-quality work. The use of metal thread suggests a prestigious commission.
Impact
The woman appears serious and dignified through her expression and the dark surroundings. The delicate rendering of the textures of clothing and book gives the work an almost painterly quality that holds the viewer's attention.
Technique
The tapestry was woven in wool and metal thread, with a density of 20-25 warps per inch (8-10 per centimeter). This high weave density allowed for detailed reproduction that resembles painting. The metal thread provided a shimmering effect and emphasized the luxurious character of the tapestry.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)