An old woman spinning, spindle in her right hand, distaff in her left

Description

An old woman spinning by Francisco Goya shows a seated figure holding a distaff while a spindle hangs from her extended hand. The bowed head, angular hands and broad folds of clothing are drawn with a restless, expressive line against a largely open background.

Created in 1819, this pen lithograph gives an everyday task a concentrated human presence. The simple bench and suspended spindle make the woman’s posture and patient movement the center of attention.

Read our guide to giclée prints or browse the Goya collection.