The Spinners

Both of these 16th century Dutch works are betrothel paintings of the merchant class. The average person of the 16th century could not afford to be painted, would not be clothed in the latest finery and did not have leisure time to spin.

Both of the women in these portraits hold wool to spin to yarn or thread. This demonstrates that they are refined, virtuous (spinning wheel/drop spindle  symbolize virtue) and also productive, making them eligible wives.

The bottom painting (Pieter Pietersz 1660, Haarlem) shows the woman seated next to her betrothed, who is holding a tankard.  Her face questions the decision she needs to make - choosing between virtue (spinning wheel) and vice (tankard).

The irony is that women sentenced to prison were required to spin fiber during their incarceration.  Since fine cloth and lace were primary trading commodities of the Netherlands, one could surmise slave labor helped the economy. And how ironic that incarcerated women were REQUIRED to do what women of leisure CHOSE to do.