An Old Woman seated sewing
- Artist: Johannes van der Aack
- Date: 1655
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "An Old Woman seated sewing" painted in 1655 by Johannes van der Aack. As you can see, she's engrossed in her work, sewing what appears to be a garment or household object. Her hands are large and capable, resting on her sewing cushion as she works diligently.
Notice the picture on the wall behind her - it's a portrait of Christian, Duke of Brunswick, a Protestant general who fought for the United Provinces, which later became the Dutch Republic. This is quite significant, as van der Aack has included this image to reinforce the idea that this old woman represents a certain kind of piety and strict religious views.
The inclusion of a lemon on her table, prominently displayed with a silver-handled knife, is also noteworthy. Lemons were considered a luxury item in those times, and their presence here may symbolize purity or serve as a practical protection against hostile forces like poison or the plague. The artist's skill in painting detail and texture is evident throughout this piece.
We don't know who this woman is or if she was intended to be a specific person or simply a representation of age and femininity. Regardless, her serene presence serves as an example of feminine virtue, occupied with useful work while surrounded by symbols of piety.
See it in person
An Old Woman seated sewing hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
