En sovende køkkenpige og en tyvagtig dreng, kunstigt lys 1745 - 1802

Jens Juel created this wash drawing, “A Sleeping Kitchen Maid and a Thieving Boy, Artificial Light,” during the late 18th century. This delicate sketch offers a glimpse into the domestic life of the time, but also raises questions about power dynamics and social norms. The kitchen maid, possibly exhausted from her labor, is vulnerable in her sleep. Meanwhile, the boy’s thievery may reflect the harsh economic realities and survival strategies of the lower classes. Juel, as a leading portrait painter, occupied a privileged position in Danish society. Consider how the artist's perspective might shape the narrative and representation of these figures. Is it a straightforward depiction of everyday life, or does it carry deeper social commentary about gender and class? This intimate scene invites us to reflect on the silent stories of those whose lives were often overlooked.