A Day with the Noble Woman

A Day with the Noble Woman

After thumbing through the works of artist upon artist, to find a suitable piece of art to write about for an essay, the paintings of David Teniers the Younger came into view. Teniers was well-known for painting friendly depictions of peasant people. In fact, most of his paintings seemed to illustrate happiness in everyday peasant life. One could create jovial stories from these paintings. However, while observing the enchanting works of the light-hearted, communal artist, one painting emerged titled, Lady seated at the table, which Teniers the Younger painted sometime in the 17th century (1610-1690). The painting, a 46.5 x 70cm oil on panel, was not a joyful painting filled with happy, dancing peasant people. The realistic, and relatable painting is that of a woman who appears unfazed, yet spent by the destructive chaos echoing throughout the room. This painting could tell many stories.

“What is it we see when we look at a work of art? What is it we fear will be revealed? The artist waits for us to say. It does not matter that each of us sees something slightly different. Most of us, confronted with the artist’s creation, hesitate, stammer, or politely deflect the question of what it means to us.” (9)

A story is just a story. One could create and illustrate their own story by gazing into what this painting hides, or tells. Though, it does capture true emotions. The relatable and realistic

part of Lady Seated at the Table, is that most women (especially ones with children) can understand or depict what may be going through this woman’s mind.

For example, female-headed households were as common in the 1600s, as they are today. Men and women did not live very long in the 17th century. So when a woman’s husband died, they were left to tend to their everyday chores and duties, and anything the husband may have left behind, such as, a business, accounts/money, and the estate (if they had one). Women were often forced to sell items of value from their homes to make ends meet. Not to different for housewives and widows of the 21st century.

Another way this painting could be relatable, is how a woman feels after tending to children, work, and a household. Most women raising children with an absent father, knows what it feels like to be overwhelmed and exhausted from their everyday life; however, power through the emotions. Women of the 17th century could relate to how a woman feels in the world today. Though life may be a little different now. We have ovens, and washing machines.

Switching gears, looking at the painting on a surface level starts a story.

A ray of light gleams from the left side of the room, illuminating the destruction that has transpired; however, shining down on a woman sitting at the table. She is dressed in a royal blue gown, with virago sleeves and a plunging neckline. The gown is draped with a red garment attached by a beautiful, diamond shaped broach. A string of pearls around her neck and blue jeweled earrings hang from her ears. Her hair is wrapped neatly in two buns, one on both sides

of her head. She is no peasant woman; she is of nobility. She has a large white feather in her right hand, and with her left elbow on the table, her head rests tilted in the palm of her left hand. She looks to be thinking, but not too deeply. Her facial expression appears emotionless.

In the same room, standing to the right of the woman, are the two young boys. They could very well be the woman’s children; however, one does not identify this based on facts, only speculation. The boys look as if they are entertained by blowing bubbles; though, looking around the room, it would appear these boys have been busy playing with all sorts of fun items. Musical instruments; such as, a lute, a tambourine, and sheet music books lay on the floor. Also, scattered on the floor are playing cards, a set of dice, two masks, oddly pointed wooden shoes, and other objects used by the boys to play with. There are also two small brown monkeys in the room. One monkey is dressed in a small red, yellow, and green court jesters coat, with a ball and chain attached to him/her. This monkey is comically looking through the wrong end of a telescope. The other monkey (not wearing clothing, or a ball and chain), is examining an empty seashell, two more on the floor beside him/her. And, scanning downwards from the monkey with the seashell, is a hermit crab, surely looking for a new shell to house. In addition, on the right side of the room, is a small, colorful green and yellow (with a hint of red on its