Selinde en Huldreich before 1764

Johann Esaias Nilson created this print, "Selinde en Huldreich," sometime in the 18th century using etching techniques. The image depicts a courtship scene, framed by ornate Rococo motifs, a style mirroring the aristocratic tastes of the era. Nilson, working in Augsburg, Germany, navigated a society deeply structured by class. Courtship rituals were laden with social expectations, particularly for women whose futures largely depended on marriage. This print offers a glimpse into such prescribed interactions, where emotions were navigated within strict societal boundaries. Note how the woman, Selinde, is presented. Her posture, her dress, every detail speaks to the limited roles available to her. Ultimately, this print serves as a window into the negotiation of personal desires within the rigid social structures of the 1700s. It encourages us to reflect on the emotional labor involved in adhering to societal expectations, especially for women.