Nicolas Maes, The Spinner, 1652-1662, oil on canvas
Records indicate that Elston bought this painting from a merchant family in Europe, named Aascher. It is an important painting and the oldest in the Elston Homestead. This is one of two known paintings of this particular work by Nicolaes Maes. The other painting is located in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
Maes is Dutch Baroque painter who lived from 1634-1693. Maes was a student of Rembrandt, and his early paintings reflect the master’s style. Maes’ genre paintings were influential to many later painters, including Vermeer.
This painting depicts an old woman spinning wool in the corner of a room. Characteristic of Baroque style, it emphasizes great detail in the expression of the woman, showing her old age and experience through the wrinkles on her skin.
Video link showing both versions of the this painting by Nicolaes Maes
Andrew Jackson