The Angry Wife c. 1785

Jean-Baptiste Greuze created this work on paper, called “The Angry Wife,” during the late 18th century. It depicts a domestic scene charged with emotional intensity that reflects a broader societal interest in exploring human emotions and relationships. In the foreground, we see a woman, presumably the wife, in a fit of rage, about to smash a dish. Her fury is directed towards a man being ushered into the room by two women who attempt to restrain him. This image encapsulates the tensions within 18th-century marriage and family structures. While patriarchy dictated male dominance, representations of female anger began to surface questioning traditional gender roles and expectations. The chaotic scene offers a glimpse into the complexities of domestic life, where power dynamics, infidelity, and emotional outbursts challenge the idealized vision of family harmony. Greuze captures a moment of raw emotion, inviting viewers to consider the societal forces that shape such scenes and their implications for individual lives.