Anne Howe en Oberst Morden rouwen bij het lichaam van Clarissa 1796

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki made this print, "Anne Howe en Oberst Morden rouwen bij het lichaam van Clarissa," sometime in the late 18th century. Clarissa lies still, a figure of lost innocence and victimhood. Chodowiecki situates us within the emotional heart of Samuel Richardson’s novel, "Clarissa," inviting reflection on morality and the complex realities of 18th-century life. This was a period when women's roles were heavily policed, and their autonomy was often curtailed by social and familial expectations. Anne Howe and Oberst Morden stand as witnesses, embodying grief and perhaps guilt. Their presence highlights themes of responsibility, the burden of societal expectations, and the consequences of moral failings. The stillness of Clarissa’s body speaks volumes, contrasting with the silent anguish of her mourners. This print not only reflects the literary tastes of its time but also serves as a poignant reminder of the era's complex attitudes toward women, morality, and social justice.