At the Piano 1900

Anders Zorn created this etching, "At the Piano", during a time when the roles of women in society were being renegotiated. Here, we see a woman, elegantly dressed, her posture suggesting both focus and relaxation as she sits at the piano. But what is she playing? Is this for her pleasure, or is it a performance? Zorn, a successful portrait painter, often depicted women from various social classes, capturing their essence within the confines of societal expectations. The intimacy of the scene invites us to consider the private lives of women during this period, their creative outlets, and the ways in which they expressed themselves within a patriarchal society. This image evokes a sense of quiet contemplation, but it also encourages us to reflect on the complex interplay between gender, artistic expression, and social identity.