Overlijdensbericht betreffende Jean Bernard Possibly 1833 - 1836

This is Overlijdensbericht betreffende Jean Bernard, a notice of death created in 1833 by Johanna Magdalena Schnetzler. Written in Dutch, the document memorializes the passing of the artist’s husband, Jean Bernard, at the age of 63. In nineteenth-century Europe, death notices were a formal declaration, often published in newspapers, signaling mourning. The artist uses elegant script on delicate paper, indicative of the period’s aesthetic and social customs. As a widow, Schnetzler expresses not only personal loss but also asserts her identity and social standing. The language is formal, yet the emotion palpable, reflecting both societal expectations and genuine grief. The artist's signature as "Widow Jean Bernard," encapsulates her new social identity, defined by loss. The notice serves as a public declaration, entwining personal sorrow with social acknowledgement. Through this lens, we see how grief becomes a narrative, shaped by societal norms and individual expression.