Blauwbaard vermoordt een van zijn vrouwen 1786

This print by Emmanuel Jean de Ghendt depicts Bluebeard murdering one of his wives. It’s a scene of violence and desperation, the woman pleading as Bluebeard raises his sword. Made in the late 18th century, this image comes from a time of shifting social mores. Fairy tales such as Bluebeard, were not merely entertainment, but reflected anxieties about power, marriage, and social mobility. Bluebeard, with his mysterious wealth and violent tendencies, embodies fears of aristocratic excess and abuse. The print may also be seen in light of the French revolution, which has its roots in the late 18th Century. The print has a caption: "Commend yourself to God," suggesting a moral commentary on the action. Analyzing this print requires attention to both its visual elements and its cultural context. Understanding the fairy tale’s role in 18th-century French society, as well as the artist’s own social position, helps us to interpret its meanings and messages. Further research in folklore archives and historical documents would shed more light on this print.