Angling For A Good Catch 

Cesare Auguste Detti painted "Angling For A Good Catch" around the turn of the century, capturing a scene that’s dripping with the opulence and flirtation of high society. Imagine the expectations placed upon women of this era. Detti presents us with a woman who appears to be fishing, yet her elaborate gown and flirtatious gaze suggest that she is more likely angling for the attention of the gentleman beside her. The scene, while seemingly innocent, hints at the transactional nature of relationships within the upper classes, where marriage was often a strategic alliance. The painting doesn't just reflect the social norms of the time, it also challenges them, albeit subtly. There is a tension between the woman's playful demeanor and the rigid constraints of her social standing. While on the surface, it’s a lighthearted scene, underneath, Detti prompts us to consider the complexities of identity and agency within a society governed by strict rules of engagement.