The two-timer 1874

Filippo Indoni made this watercolor painting called “The Two-Timer,” in Italy, sometime in the late 19th century. It depicts a scene of flirtation and dalliance in a public park. The figures' costumes, particularly the man’s military-style jacket and hat, suggest an association with the upper classes and their leisure activities. The two women, one coquettishly fanning herself and the other arranging flowers, appear to be competing for the man's attention. The statue in the background is a reference to classical art and culture, suggesting a level of education and refinement associated with the upper class. What’s particularly interesting is the implied social commentary. The title hints at the man's duplicitous behavior. The artist may be commenting on the social norms and expectations of courtship and marriage in 19th-century Italy. To understand this context fully, we’d look at sources that describe the social rituals and expectations of the Italian upper classes during this period. By doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of the painting’s social and cultural significance.