Zwei Gruppen Mädchen undd junger Frauen c. 1771 - 1772

Georg Melchior Kraus created "Zwei Gruppen Mädchen und junger Frauen" using pen and brown ink in the late 18th century. Kraus lived during the Enlightenment, a time when traditional social hierarchies were being questioned, yet society still had very different expectations for men and women. The artwork presents two groupings of girls and young women in what appears to be traditional clothing. Their expressions seem demure, a common trope in the representation of women during this period. Kraus’ work might at first seem to perpetuate traditional roles, yet by focusing on these young women, he arguably brings their experiences into the artistic discourse. Consider the concept of “separate spheres” prevalent at the time, which dictated that women should occupy the domestic sphere. In that historical context, Kraus' choice to depict these figures invites us to reflect on the lives and identities of women, while at the same time presenting them in their traditional, somewhat passive, roles.