Filatrice

William Henry Brown, 1850

MEDIUMBronze
DIMENSIONS20 x 12 x 8 in. (50.8 x 30.5 x 20.3 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONThe American Wing
CULTUREAmerican
CREDIT LINEPurchase, Gifts in memory of James R. Graham, and Morris K. Jesup Fund, 1993

This bronze sculpture invites you to witness a timeless act of creation. The artist beautifully captures the quiet dignity and focused grace of a woman spinning thread, transforming simple fiber into something useful.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This bronze sculpture, titled "Filatrice" (The Spinner), captures a woman in a moment of quiet industry. Her pose suggests a timeless rhythm, with her hands engaged in the delicate task of spinning fiber into thread. The artist has rendered her form with a classical elegance, emphasizing the flowing lines of her drapery and the serene concentration on her face. Though made of durable bronze, there is a softness to her features and the way her garment drapes, conveying a sense of gentle movement and focused dedication. This work reflects a broader interest in depicting everyday life and labor during the mid-19th century, elevating a common domestic scene to a subject of sculptural art.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

Observe the subtle texture of the bronze, mimicking fabric folds.

2

Notice the spinner's focused gaze and serene expression.

3

See the delicate threads she holds between her fingers.

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Audio Deep Dive

This bronze sculpture invites you to witness a timeless act of creation. The artist beautifully captures the quiet dignity and focused grace of a woman spinnin…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
William Henry Brown 1815–1875

William Henry Brown, known for his silhouette portraits and early photographic experiments, captured the likenesses of figures like John Quincy Adams.

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