Dienstmeisje stoot een tafel om 1751

Marten Corver created this engraving, “Dienstmeisje stoot een tafel om,” which translates to “Maid knocks over a table,” sometime in the 18th century. During this period in the Netherlands, social hierarchies were deeply entrenched, and domestic servants, typically young women, occupied the lowest rung. The image presents a collision of social expectations. In a moment of domestic chaos, a maidservant is causing disarray in what appears to be the space of a wealthy family. The older woman's ornate clothing contrasts sharply with the younger woman's simple dress. This artwork depicts an intimate glimpse into the dynamics of labor and class. The emotional tenor may be one of surprise, perhaps even fear. Consider how the accident might disrupt the household and what the consequences might be for the maid. Ultimately, this image serves not only as a narrative snapshot but also as a commentary on the fraught relationships that structure everyday life.