Elena Rossi
The Girl with a Writing Tablet is a painting with several interpretations. One of the most famous paintings with a similar title is Johannes Vermeer's A Lady Writing, which depicts a woman with a quill in her right hand, writing on a piece of paper. Another interpretation could be the Woman with Stylus, a wall painting on gesso, unearthed in Pompeii, Italy. The woman in the painting is often referred to as Sappho, the Greek poetess, but her identity is uncertain. She holds a writing tablet and a writing instrument, suggesting her literacy. This painting offers a glimpse into the daily life of women in Ancient Rome and the importance of literacy within Roman society.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Woman with Stylus, commonly called Sappho |
| Date | 55-79 CE |
| Medium | Wall painting on gesso |
| Current location | National Archeological Museum of Naples, Naples, Italy |
| Discovery location and date | Pompeii, under the Cuomo property on May 17, 1760 |
| Dress | Richly dressed with gold-threaded hair and large gold earrings |
| Pose | Holds a hinged writing tablet in her left hand and a stylus in her right hand |
| Expression | Direct, confident gaze |
| Interpretation | Display of the cultivation of a wealthy family |
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What You'll Learn
The woman's identity
The woman depicted in Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" has long been a source of intrigue and speculation. While the painting is often referred to as the "Mona Lisa of the North," the identity of the girl remains a mystery, prompting art historians and enthusiasts alike to delve into various theories.
One popular belief is that the subject was Vermeer's eldest daughter, Maria. This theory is supported by the fact that Maria was around the same age as the girl in the painting and that she may have been a convenient and available model for Vermeer. Some art historians have also suggested that the intimate and contemplative nature of the portrait could indicate a father-daughter relationship.
Another theory posits that the girl could be Vermeer's wife, Catharina. This speculation is based on the resemblance between the girl and the woman depicted in Vermeer's "Woman with a Pearl Necklace." The clothing and accessories worn by the subject, including the expensive pearl earrings and luxurious clothing, could indicate a higher social status, which would align with the status of a master painter's wife.
There is also a possibility that the girl was a generic or imaginary model. Vermeer was known to use the same model in multiple paintings, and he often made changes to the clothing and accessories to suit his artistic vision. Thus, the girl's identity could have been constructed specifically for this painting, drawing on various sources of inspiration.
Adding to the mystery, some art historians have suggested that the painting may have been a 'tronie' - a Dutch term for a head study or character study, often depicting a fictional or imaginary person. 'Tronies' were common in Dutch art during the 17th century and often featured exotic or unusual costumes, expressions, or props to create a sense of intrigue or drama.
Despite these various theories, the true identity of the "Girl with a Pearl Earring" remains unknown. This sense of enigma adds to the allure and fascination surrounding the painting, leaving viewers with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the story behind those captivating eyes.
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The painting's history
The painting "Girl with a Writing Tablet" is more commonly referred to as “Woman with Stylus” or “Sappho”. It is an ancient Roman fresco unearthed in Pompeii in 1748, nearly two millennia after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE. The painting dates back to 55-79 CE and was found under the Cuomo property in the Insula Occidentalis, a residential urban villa complex.
The woman in the portrait is often assumed to be Sappho, the great Greek poetess. However, her true identity remains a mystery. The woman's clothing and hair reflect Roman styles of the mid-first century CE, and she holds a hinged writing tablet and a stylus, which were common writing tools of the Romans during this period.
The portrait offers a glimpse into the life of a woman in Ancient Rome. Her confident gaze and thoughtful expression embody the contemplative spirit of a writer about to record her thoughts. The painting suggests that the subject is literate and belongs to the upper ranks of Pompeian society. Literacy was a source of pride in Ancient Rome, and only the wealthy had access to education. Girls from upper and middle classes were taught to read and write at home, often through private tutors.
The "Woman with Stylus" was likely meant to showcase the cultivation and prestige of a wealthy family. The portrait may have been a representation of equality in marriage, with the husband and wife depicted as equal partners and good citizens of Pompeian society. The painting provides valuable insights into the daily life and social dynamics of Ancient Rome, particularly the role and status of women.
While the identity of the woman in the portrait remains uncertain, "Woman with Stylus" continues to captivate viewers with its enigmatic subject and the insights it offers into the past. The painting is currently housed in the National Archeological Museum of Naples, Italy, preserving a piece of history discovered beneath the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius.
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Literacy in Ancient Rome
The Roman educational system was based on the Greek system, with Greek slaves brought to Rome to educate the children of the wealthy. The Greek Livius Andronicus, for example, was a slave who became the first schoolmaster to follow Greek methods of education. He translated Homer's Odyssey into Latin verse. The Greeks viewed Mousike—the art of the Muses—as fundamental to their educational system; it combined modern-day music, dance, lyrics, and poetry, comparable to today's liberal arts. However, the Romans considered music and athletics to be trivial. Rhetoric studies were also important in Roman society, and these were learned through careful observation of elders.
Writing equipment in ancient Rome included papyrus scrolls, wooden leaf tablets written in ink, and wax tablets. Scrolls were written on the knees, with one knee held higher than the other to create tension. Wax tablets consisted of flat rectangular wooden tablets with a shallow recess to accommodate a layer of black wax, which was inscribed with a metal stylus. The messages could be read from the impressed letters, and the tablets were used for important documents such as wills.
Literacy was related to power and identity, enabling individuals to rise through the ranks of the Roman empire. Literacy was also connected to numeracy, as evidenced by the presence of money bags in wall paintings depicting writing equipment.
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The woman's clothing
The woman in the painting is believed to be dressed in clothing typical of Dutch bourgeois fashion in the 17th century. Her attire is elegant and sophisticated, reflecting her upper-class status.
Starting with her headwear, the woman wears a white cap, known as a coif, which was a common accessory for women of the time. The coif is made of fine linen and features intricate lace detailing along the edges, adding a delicate and refined touch to her ensemble.
Moving to her outer garment, she dons a luxurious red cloak, draped elegantly over her shoulders. The rich color and soft fabric suggest that it is made from expensive wool or velvet material. The cloak is lined with a fur trim, providing both warmth and a sense of opulence to her outfit.
Underneath the cloak, the woman wears a crisp white blouse made from fine linen or cotton. The blouse features a high collar and a simple yet elegant ruffle along the front opening. The sleeves are long and puffed at the shoulders, a style popular during the period.
Her skirt is made from a heavy fabric, likely wool, and falls just below her knees. The skirt is full and wide, creating a bell-like shape, which was fashionable at the time. It is secured at the waist with a thin belt, emphasizing her slender figure.
Completing the look, the woman wears a pair of white, finely knitted stockings and leather shoes with a slight heel. The shoes are decorated with a large, decorative buckle, adding a touch of glamour to her overall appearance.
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The woman's gaze
The "Girl with a Writing Tablet", or "Woman with Stylus", is a painting discovered in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. The woman's direct, confident gaze is arresting, and her thoughtful expression embodies the contemplative spirit of a writer about to record her thoughts.
The painting, a fresco, was unearthed in 1748, nearly two millennia after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. It depicts a woman from the upper echelons of Pompeian society. She holds a hinged writing tablet in her left hand and a stylus in her right, poised at her chin, indicating her literacy. Literacy was a source of pride in Ancient Rome, and this portrait was likely meant to showcase the family's wealth and cultivation.
The "Girl with a Writing Tablet" offers a rare glimpse into the lives of women in Ancient Rome. While most accounts from that era were recorded by men, this painting provides a female perspective. It hints at the woman's independence, education, and social status, challenging the traditional narrative of women being largely dependent on the male head of the household.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the painting is "Woman with Stylus".
The identity of the woman in the painting is uncertain. While she is commonly referred to as Sappho, the Greek poetess, the woman's identity remains a mystery.
The painting depicts a woman holding a hinged writing tablet and a stylus, which she presses to her lips. She is dressed richly, with gold-threaded hair and large gold earrings, indicating that she belongs to the upper ranks of Pompeian society.
The painting is an ancient Roman fresco created between 55-79 CE. It was unearthed in Pompeii, Italy, in 1748, nearly two millennia after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The painting is currently housed in the National Archeological Museum of Naples, Naples, Italy.
