Vrouw van Pastor Gros op haar doodsbed 1776

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print, titled 'Vrouw van Pastor Gros op haar doodsbed', using etching. It offers a window into the intimate and public dimensions of death in the 18th century. Chodowiecki invites us into the solemn scene surrounding the deathbed of Pastor Gros's wife. While the imagery appears to document a moment of private grief, it simultaneously reflects the social expectations and religious customs of the time. Gender roles are subtly highlighted, with women tending to the dying while men offer support and guidance. The presence of onlookers underscores death as a communal event, while the adjacent image of a musical gathering presents a stark contrast between mourning and the continuation of life. Through his detailed etching, Chodowiecki captures not just the physical reality of death but also the complex interplay of emotions, beliefs, and social norms that shaped its experience. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of our shared mortality.