Thank you, Jean! I have heard the story of "shoes off = immorality" so many times and always doubted it - it's good to know that at least one person - the curator of the Wallace Collection - holds a different opinion!
Adele North Vancouver, BC (west coast of Canada) > In the booklet, 'Highlights, The Wallace Collection' published by The > Trustees of the Wallace Collection, 2003 > the painting is interpreted thus: > > "Dutch paintings of the 17th century often had a moral. In this small > picture, the little lacemaker serves as an example of good behaviour for a > Dutch housewife of the time. The mussels lying at her feet are a symbol of > her virtue as both stay in their shell. Her discarded shoes suggest she > cannot leave the house without them and so avoids temptation. The broom > beside her emphasises her spotless house. On her richly embroidered cap is > an emblem of doves and clasped hands that tell us she is a loving wife. > Lace-making was also a sign of the virtuous housewife, since it was a long, > laborious process allowing the maker little freedom from domesticity." ! > > I hope the Wallace Collection will forgive such a long quote but I felt I > must defend the little lacemaker and advertise a wonderful Art Gallery in > London. They also have Frans Hals, The Laughing Cavalier, with his wonderful > needlepoint cuffs and collar. > > Jean Eke in Sussex , England, on a chilly , wet & windy late evening. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
