The Innkeeper's Daughter/Cover of sheet music c. 19th century

Editor: This is Frédéric Sorrieu's "The Innkeeper's Daughter," a sheet music cover. It gives off a casual, domestic vibe. How do you interpret the social dynamics in this image? Curator: This piece provides a window into 19th-century social hierarchies and gender roles. Consider the innkeeper's daughter serving men, illustrating women's labor and constrained agency. How does this imagery reflect the societal expectations of women at the time? Editor: It does seem like she's in a subservient position. I didn’t think of that. Curator: Indeed. By examining such imagery, we can unpack the subtle power dynamics that shaped the lives of women. What further questions does this work raise for you? Editor: It makes me consider the stories of those whose voices were often unheard. Thanks!