Carl Ferdiner en Julie bij Frau Wilens 1780

Daniel Chodowiecki made this print, Carl Ferdiner en Julie bij Frau Wilens, around 1800. It depicts a scene of domestic life that offers insights into the social values and gender roles of the late 18th century. Chodowiecki worked in Berlin and his art provides a window into the cultural milieu of the German Enlightenment. The print’s composition and subject matter evoke a sense of intimacy and moral reflection. The setting, a private home, was a sphere governed by women and family. We can ask: what significance did the artist find in the everyday lives of ordinary people? The image is rendered through careful engravings, demonstrating Chodowiecki’s skill in capturing details of dress and interior decor. By looking at fashion plates and furniture designs from the period, we can understand the extent to which this image mirrored or stylized actual social conditions. Historical research allows us to place this work within the context of evolving social norms and the rise of the middle class in Europe.