Gaffelen 1829 - 1899

H.P. Hansen created this image, "Gaffelen," an etching, in the 19th century. Hansen lived in a time of strict social hierarchies and norms, and this piece offers a glimpse into these dynamics, portraying a family scene with stark contrasts in attire and demeanor between what we can assume are the upper-class members and the working-class woman and child. The presence of the educated gentlemen alongside those who appear to be domestic workers, raises questions about power, labor, and inequality. The act of eating from a communal bowl becomes a focal point around which these social tensions are subtly enacted, drawing attention to how everyday actions can reflect broader societal structures. Hansen invites us to reflect on the unspoken rules and power dynamics embedded within domestic settings. It is a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between personal lives and the larger socio-political landscape.