Vlaams concert 1733 - 1797

Pierre François Basan created "Vlaams concert," or "Flemish Concert," sometime in the 18th century. During this period, genre scenes depicting everyday life were gaining popularity, reflecting a growing interest in the lives of ordinary people. This print depicts a group of men making music in a modest interior, but what might easily be overlooked is the woman standing in the doorway. Her quiet presence contrasts with the boisterous energy of the musicians, suggesting a separation between domestic life and male sociability. Consider the role of women in 18th-century society, often confined to the domestic sphere. Is she an observer or excluded from the communal enjoyment? Basan invites us to reflect on the complex dynamics of gender and social interaction within the seemingly simple setting of a musical gathering. It challenges us to consider the stories of those who are often unseen.