Gebruikelijke toevlucht 1779

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print, "Gebruikelijke toevlucht," using etching. Born in Danzig, now Gdańsk, Chodowiecki straddled Polish and German identities during a time of shifting national boundaries and cultural affiliations. This work presents a satirical view of social customs and gender roles in the 18th century. On the left, we see a woman in an elaborate gown, perhaps seeking financial refuge, while the men at the table seem engrossed in their own affairs. On the right, a man in nightclothes gestures expansively, surrounded by onlookers, possibly illustrating another form of ‘refuge’ found in social gatherings. Chodowiecki’s detailed etching captures the nuances of social interactions, subtly critiquing the expectations and constraints placed upon women. The artist uses visual storytelling to comment on the complexities of relationships and the societal structures that influence them. These scenes invite us to reflect on the emotional refuge we seek and the societal expectations that shape our individual experiences.