Yngre dame, bladrende i en foliant, der ligger på hendes skød 1733 - 1816

W.A. Müller created this drawing of a young lady reading around the late 18th or early 19th century. It encapsulates the enlightenment idea of learning and also the rising status of women. The setting of this drawing gives an insight into the society of the time. With the lady's elaborate dress, the neoclassical interior design and books as prominent objects, this suggests an educated and upper-class environment. This image reflects the enlightenment period, where there was increasing emphasis on reason and education. At this time, the social expectations surrounding women were evolving. This piece might represent the changing role of women in society and the increasing acceptance of female intellectualism, particularly amongst the upper classes. To truly understand this work, one might research the changing social roles in that era. Art historians study the social context of art and the ways that societal norms and expectations influence artistic expression.