Lacemaking is the creation of ornamental openwork fabric by looping interlacing thread. It requires good eyesight, close concentration, and a sense of pattern. The birthplace of this art form is generally believed to be Flanders or Italy. Lace making was one of the best-known ways for a respectable young woman to make a living in times where their options for paid employment were few.
1. View the painting and interpret- Does the painting suggest Vermeer respected the lace making as a form of art or is he depicting a woman going about her everyday household chores, one of them being lace making? Explain.
2. How might Vermeer have reacted if he had recognized Magdalena's artistic ability?
3. Magdalena is very aware of color. What do you think is the dominant color in this painting by her father, Johannes Vermeer? What colors complement it? Analyze.
1. View the painting and interpret- Does the painting suggest Vermeer respected the lace making as a form of art or is he depicting a woman going about her everyday household chores, one of them being lace making? Explain.
2. How might Vermeer have reacted if he had recognized Magdalena's artistic ability?
3. Magdalena is very aware of color. What do you think is the dominant color in this painting by her father, Johannes Vermeer? What colors complement it? Analyze.