Reading the Bible c. 1859

Hugues Merle painted "Reading the Bible" during the 19th century, a period marked by significant shifts in social roles and expectations, particularly for women. Merle, celebrated for his sentimental genre scenes, captures a moment of domestic instruction. Here, three figures, likely a mother and her daughters, engage with scripture. The scene subtly reflects the era's emphasis on women's moral and religious education. Yet, it's not just about piety, it is about power. Who has access to the narrative, and who interprets it? The woman reading holds both the book and the gaze of the girls; she is the conduit to knowledge. Merle’s painting invites us to reflect on the intimate ways in which cultural values are transmitted and negotiated within families. It’s a quiet, yet potent reminder of the interwoven threads of gender, knowledge, and faith that shape individual and collective identities.