Begin van het huiselijk geluk 1773

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this engraving, titled "Begin van het huiselijk geluk," which translates to "The Beginning of Domestic Happiness," sometime in the 18th century. Chodowiecki lived through an era of significant social change, influenced by Enlightenment ideals that impacted views on family, marriage and morality. The print depicts a wedding, a cornerstone of social life, particularly for the middle and upper classes. What strikes me is how the scene is framed within the domestic sphere, emphasizing the idea of marriage as the foundation of a household. The expressions of the wedding party, their attire, and the setting all speak to the values and expectations placed on men and women within marriage during this period. Consider how notions of 'domestic happiness' have changed over time, influenced by shifts in gender roles, economic structures, and social attitudes. "The Beginning of Domestic Happiness" provides a glimpse into a world where personal emotions and societal expectations were tightly intertwined, shaping individual lives within the broader context of 18th-century society.