Ghita Locking out her Husband Tofano, from The Decameron 1534

Hans Schäufelein created this woodcut, titled 'Ghita Locking out her Husband Tofano, from The Decameron', in Germany in the early 16th century. It visualizes a story from Boccaccio's 'The Decameron,' a collection of novellas. The print shows a scene of marital discord. Tofano stands outside, seemingly locked out by his wife Ghita, who looks out from a window above. The image creates meaning through its composition and reference to social roles. The architectural details suggest a domestic setting, while the figures' gestures and expressions convey the tension between husband and wife. In its time, this image reflects the social dynamics of marriage and gender roles. Schäufelein’s work would have been part of a broader visual culture that commented on social issues and domestic life. Historians might use sources such as legal documents, literature, and other visual materials to understand the artwork in its original context. The meaning of this image is contingent on the social and institutional context in which it was made and viewed.