Fishwife, 1772

About the Work

Many of the La Fargue siblings were artistically active and contributed to the family income. Maria Margaretha la Fargue produced paintings and drawings in which she specialized above all in genre depictions echoing the Netherlandish seventeenth century. The skilfully executed “Fishwife” owes its appeal to the simplicity of the depiction. To the (well-to-do) beholder, the subject’s cheerful expression was intended to convey the bliss and contentment of a frugal life.