Painting Back from Market, by Chardin: Poet & Context

Poet - Eavan Boland

Eavan Boland was an Irish poet, author, and professor who was considered one of the foremost female voices in Irish literature.
She explored themes of Irish identity, feminine identity, and the tension between the personal and collective history in her work.
Boland’s poetry is often characterised by clear language and free verse, veering away from traditional forms. She has a reputation for giving voice to the marginalised - particularly women and the domestic sphere.
Boland’s work challenges the traditional and romanticised perceptions of Irish identity, seeking to offer a more realistic, diverse, and inclusive depiction of what constitutes Ireland and its history.
She was the recipient of numerous accolades throughout her career for her dedication and contribution to poetry, including the Lannan Literary Award for Poetry in 1994 and a Jacob’s Award for her involvement in The Arts Programme broadcast on RTÉ Radio in 1978.

The poem is a discussion and exploration of the domestic life and the often-unseen labours of women, a recurrent theme in Boland’s oeuvre.
Boland was inspired by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin’s painting for this poem - Chardin was an 18th-century French painter known for his still lifes and domestic scenes.
Boland brings the woman in this painting to life, using vivid poetic techniques and her keen sense of perception.
The poem explores the beauty and significance of the ordinary and domestic, seeking to elevate the status of such scenes in literary and artistic value.
In doing so, Boland draws attention to the often overlooked and undervalued roles and experiences of women, placing them at the centre of historic and important narratives.
Boland was a feminist poet, and her works often aim to unsettle traditional assumptions about women’s role in society. This poem is no exception, challenging the silent and subservient depiction of women in art history and society.