Kerstavond 1776

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki made this small print titled ‘Kerstavond’ or Christmas Eve. Chodowiecki was a leading printmaker in 18th-century Germany, and his works provide valuable insights into the social customs and values of the time. This print, depicting an interior scene with figures gathered around a stove, speaks to the rituals and social dynamics of Christmas celebrations amongst the bourgeois classes. Note the contrast between the tired man on the stool and the opulence of the women's dresses. These details are indicative of the societal norms and class structures prevalent in 18th-century Europe. Prints like this were often commissioned and collected, playing a crucial role in shaping and disseminating cultural values. To fully understand the significance of this print, consider its institutional context: who commissioned it, who collected it, and how it circulated. Researching the history of printmaking and the cultural milieu of 18th-century Germany helps us interpret the artwork's commentary on the social structures of its time.