Berouw in het huwelijk 1788

This engraving, “Regret in Marriage,” was created by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki sometime between 1726 and 1801. Chodowiecki was a German-Polish artist, who gained recognition for his detailed engravings that often depicted scenes of everyday life. In this piece, we see a woman seated at a table, head in hand, appearing sorrowful, while an older man sits nearby, seemingly unbothered. This image speaks volumes about the dynamics within 18th-century marriage, particularly the power imbalances and emotional disconnect often experienced by women. Chodowiecki’s work invites us to reflect on the social expectations placed on women during this era. A loveless marriage, often arranged for economic or social gain, was a common reality. The woman's posture and expression convey a deep sense of disillusionment and confinement, while the man's indifference underscores the patriarchal structures that dictated her life. The image, though small, encapsulates a world of emotional and social commentary.