I skumringen. Fru Marstrand med sønnen Poul 1853

Wilhelm Marstrand created this watercolor, titled "In Twilight. Mrs. Marstrand with her son Poul," sometime in the mid-19th century. During this time, Europe was in a state of social and political upheaval. The revolutions of 1848 challenged established power structures and spurred new ideas about nationalism and citizenship. In this intimate scene, we see Marstrand’s wife gazing out of a window, her young son asleep in her arms. The domesticity of the image is striking, yet it subtly hints at the broader societal roles of women during this era. Marstrand’s wife embodies the era’s expectations of women as keepers of the home. The dusk lighting evokes a sense of quiet reflection. Perhaps, it's a moment of introspection as she contemplates the world outside. The toys scattered on the floor indicate the space is shared with a child. The artwork encourages us to consider the complex intersection of domestic life and broader social forces, reflecting on the quiet moments that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.