The artwork “Mending Socks” by Archibald Motley, created in 1924, is an oil painting on canvas that belongs to the Art Deco movement. It measures 43.88 x 40 cm and is categorized as a portrait. Currently, it is housed in the Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, US.
The artwork depicts an elderly woman engaged in the meticulous task of mending socks. She is seated in a chair, clothed in a simple white garment and a red shawl with a delicate pattern. The setting is homely, featuring a table covered with a blue cloth adorned with geometric designs. On the table lies an assortment of items, including a bowl of fruit, books, and a lamp, suggesting a lived-in space. In the background, a crucifix hangs on the wall, coupled with an ornate framed portrait, indicating the presence of religious and familial influences. The scene conveys a sense of quiet perseverance and domestic diligence.
