Peter Marks met zijn derde en vierde vrouw 1779

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print, "Peter Marks met zijn derde en vierde vrouw," sometime in the 18th century. It's a window into the social mores and gender dynamics of the time. The print is split into two scenes; on the left we see a crowded banquet, while the right depicts an act of violence. Here we see how the print participates in constructing and reinforcing societal expectations around marriage and domesticity. It suggests that women are possessions to be acquired and discarded. Chodowiecki's work invites us to reflect on how these narratives continue to shape our understanding of relationships and gender roles today. What does it mean to see women as interchangeable, and what are the implications for their autonomy and well-being? It is a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play in relationships, urging us to question the cultural norms that perpetuate inequality.