Illustration til "Den døve Kone" 1884

This is an illustration for "The Deaf Wife," an anonymous work held here at the SMK. Its simple lines belie a complex social commentary, common in illustrations of its time. The image presents us with three figures, presumably the husband and his friends, set against a vast, open landscape. The cultural context of 17th-century Europe, particularly in agrarian societies, is crucial here. The landscape isn't just a backdrop; it represents the economic and social realities of the time, where land ownership and agricultural labor defined much of life. The presence of the lone female figure in the background raises questions. Is she the titular "deaf wife?" Is this meant to reflect the isolation and social exclusion of women, particularly those with disabilities? Historical archives, literary texts from the period, and studies on the social conditions of women and disabled persons in 17th-century Europe could further illuminate the role of this art as a reflection or critique of its time.