Portrait - Folk Knife Sculpture - Lacemaker With Inlaid Eyes - Folk Art

Second half of the 19th century (1885)

Vellave production - Haute-Loire, Le Puy-en-Velay

Moving wooden folk sculpture depicting a lace-maker seated in front of her tile, holding in her hands the work that once occupied the long days of the women of Velay and the Massif Central.

The figure bears on its apron the inscription "JEANNE", made with small inlays, accompanied by a heart, a cross and the date "1885". This inscription lends the work a profoundly intimate dimension. More than a simple representation of a craft, everything suggests a popular portrait created as a tribute to a real woman.

The face, with inlaid eyes, has a remarkable expressive force and that sincerity typical of rural creations executed far from academies. The features are simple, direct, almost overwhelming. Nothing is sought to seduce: everything seems intended to evoke a presence.

The lacemaker is depicted in front of her tile, an emblematic element of the lacemaking activity that provided a livelihood for generations of women in Haute-Loire. The craftsman has taken care to depict the details of the work as well as the ornaments of the costume with decorative inlays that enliven the surface of the wood.

This piece evokes those objects that were made not for trade but to preserve the memory of a loved one. The first name alone, accompanied by a heart and a cross, seems to tell a story now forgotten. Perhaps a wife, mother, sister or fiancée immortalized in her daily activity. Time has washed away her story, but her face remains.

Popular work from the late 19th century.

Sculpted wood showing a beautiful old patina.

Wear, missing parts and minor flaws consistent with age and use.

A touching work, on the border between folk art, portraiture and family memory, a silent witness to the world of Velay lacemakers.

Dimensions: 24 cm.

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