Twee mannen en twee vrouwen zitten aan een tafel in een uitgaansgelegenheid before 1889

M. Flammang’s “Two men and two women sitting at a table in a bar” captures a moment of leisure, encapsulating the social dynamics of its time. With its carefully posed figures and opulent setting, it offers a glimpse into the rituals of the leisure class. The image speaks volumes about gender roles. The women, adorned in elaborate dresses, seem to exist primarily as objects of visual pleasure, while the men, in their formal attire, exude an air of control and authority. This dynamic reflects the limited agency afforded to women in social spaces, where their presence was often ornamental. This image is also interesting from the perspective of class. Who had the luxury to go to the theatre, and then afterwards to a bar? The fact that they are together hints at a level of social connection. This all suggests the importance of performance, both on and off the stage. How were these moments of leisure shaping their identities? Flammang's image serves as a window into a world defined by privilege, one where identity and social roles were meticulously performed.