Author: Valck, Gerard (1651-1726) after Musscher, Michiel van (1645-1705)
Title: [Antique print, mezzotint] Sleeping woman/Slapende vrouw met borduurwerk. ca. 1662-1726.
Description: Sleeping woman with her needle work on the lap. After a painting by van Musscher that had its pendant in the 'Woman searching for fleas' that was also turned in mezzotint by Valk. Beautiful night scene. The original painting 'is described as 'Woman darning a stocking', in fact a woman who has dozed off over her needlework. The wool has slipped out of her slack hand, and her head is rolling back'. (from Mirror of every day life, p. 370). Signed and adressed at bottom: 'M. van Musscher Pinxit / Cum Privilegio ordinum Hollandiae et Westfrisiae / G. Valck Fecit [et excud.]', where 'et excud' has been scraped away from the paper.Dating ca. 1662-1726. Mezzotint on paper, trimmed to plate; total: 353 x 253 mm; pen mark on the bottom right; state IV/4; Hollstein 44, Nagler 41, le Blanc 55, Wurzbach 60; beautiful impression.

Keywords: Night scene|Women