Slagterens ægteskabstilbud (Der Fleischer) 1782

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s 1782 etching "Slagterens ægteskabstilbud (Der Fleischer)" depicts a butcher proposing marriage to a woman. The scene takes place in front of his shop, with carcasses hanging overhead. The woman’s hesitant expression and the butcher’s confident stance offer a humorous commentary on social dynamics of 18th-century Europe. This work is a fine example of Chodowiecki’s mastery of social satire and skillful etching technique. "Der Fleischer" is part of a series of prints depicting everyday life in 18th-century Germany and is a significant work in the history of social commentary in art.