Portrait of Angela Böcklin in red fishnet 

Arnold Böcklin, a Swiss artist, painted this portrait of Angela Böcklin, presumably his wife, adorned with a red fishnet, sometime in the late 19th century. This work encapsulates the cultural milieu of its time through the lens of domestic portraiture. The red fishnet isn't just an accessory, but a statement, perhaps reflecting the evolving roles of women in society and their increasing visibility in the public sphere. Böcklin was working within the academic system, but he may be self-consciously questioning it by picturing his wife in a way that seems to capture her own personality and identity. To understand this portrait fully, we can delve into the social and institutional history of art, exploring the power dynamics within the art world. The resources we can use to do this include: letters, journals, newspapers, exhibition reviews and institutional records. By placing art within its specific social context, we can better understand its meaning and significance.