De vrolijke scheiding after 1765

N. de Boubers created "De vrolijke scheiding", or "The Happy Divorce" in English, as an engraving. It presents a stylized vision of marital dissolution, reflecting the social dynamics and gender roles of its time. We see a contrast in emotional display: the woman sits with her head in her hand, while the man stands with an outstretched arm and a look that is less than sympathetic. The image speaks to the evolving attitudes towards marriage and divorce, especially within the context of class and gender. Divorce, while becoming more conceivable, remained deeply entangled with social status and personal reputation. The artwork invites us to reflect on the power dynamics embedded in relationships and how they are shaped by societal expectations. Though rendered with a certain lightness, the print touches on the complex and often painful realities of separation and the renegotiation of identity that follows. It shows a moment of emotional reckoning, poised at the intersection of personal experience and broader social change.