Peter Marks met zijn vijfde vrouw 1779

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this etching, "Peter Marks met zijn vijfde vrouw," portraying a man with his fifth wife. Made during a time when societal norms and expectations around marriage were rigid, Chodowiecki uses his craft to subtly critique the conventions of his era. The etching captures a scene within a church, where Peter Marks is accompanied by his new bride, while other members of the congregation look on. The image is ripe with themes of gender, class, and identity. Marks's repeated marriages challenge traditional notions of marital fidelity and raise questions about the power dynamics within relationships. The reactions of the other churchgoers hint at societal judgments and the public scrutiny faced by those who deviate from the norm. Chodowiecki invites us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which individuals navigate societal expectations and personal desires.