Lisette door haar man bedrogen 1778 - 1785

Editor: This engraving, "Lisette door haar man bedrogen," made by Noach van der (II) Meer between 1778 and 1785, portrays an intimate scene. I'm immediately struck by the composition; the figures almost seem caught in a fleeting moment. What's your interpretation of this work, and what narrative threads do you see woven into it? Curator: I see a stark depiction of power dynamics within marriage and society at the time. Consider the title: "Lisette betrayed by her husband." It positions Lisette as a victim, but let’s think critically about this depiction. Is the artist complicit in the patriarchal narrative, or is there a subversive commentary? Does the "betrayal" only involve the two figures in the foreground, or also the man in bed, implicitly condoning male power? Editor: That's a compelling question. So, is the composition reflective of the role of women during this period? Curator: Precisely! We can examine the body language, the setting, the very act of observing this private moment made public through art. Is Lisette given any agency here, or is she simply a subject acted upon? What message does the artist convey about societal expectations for women, about their confinement within domestic space and marital roles? And what assumptions does the viewer bring to the engraving based on its title? Editor: I hadn’t thought about the broader implications of public shaming, especially concerning women's reputations during that era. Curator: Indeed, we have to ask whose stories are being told and whose are being silenced or manipulated within these representations. How might a feminist art historian read this engraving in our current socio-political climate? This work invites us to challenge historical depictions and consider how power operates even in seemingly simple narratives. Editor: Thank you; seeing it as more than just a snapshot of a private moment but as a commentary on power is insightful. I’ll definitely carry this with me. Curator: Wonderful, the engraving allows us to delve into how social narratives can perpetuate or question traditional beliefs, prompting continuous conversation.