Jonge Spaanse vrouw met haar gouvernante op weg naar de mis 1819

Charles Beyer created this print, “Young Spanish Woman with her Governess on the Way to Mass,” sometime in the 18th or 19th century. It offers a glimpse into the social customs and hierarchies of the time. The print depicts two women, one young and elegantly dressed, the other older and more plainly attired. The power dynamics between them are palpable, reflecting the social norms that governed women's lives, particularly in relation to class and age. The figures are on their way to mass, underscoring the importance of religion in Spanish society and its influence on daily life. Religion played a significant role in shaping gender roles and expectations. The younger woman’s clothing, with its decorative trim, contrasts sharply with the governess’s plain dress, highlighting the differences in their social status. This print asks us to consider the constraints and expectations placed on women of different ages and classes, and how these shaped their identities and experiences.