Twee voorstellingen uit Clarissa van Samuel Richardson 1795

"Twee voorstellingen uit Clarissa van Samuel Richardson" was made by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki in the 18th century. The print depicts scenes from Samuel Richardson's novel *Clarissa*, a tragic story of a young woman's struggle against her family's attempt to force her into an unwanted marriage, and her subsequent manipulation and violation by the character Lovelace. Chodowiecki’s work invites us to consider the social constraints placed upon women, particularly concerning marriage and autonomy, during the 1700s. In the image, we see Clarissa in distress, surrounded by figures representing the societal pressures and personal betrayals she endures. The artist captures Clarissa’s emotional vulnerability, reflecting the limited agency women had in determining their own destinies. The narrative is a potent commentary on the intersection of gender and class, revealing the precarious position of women within the patriarchal structures of the time. It challenges viewers to reflect on the ongoing struggle for women's rights and self-determination.