Misstemning 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand's 'Misstemning' captures a moment frozen in ink. Though undated, the work reveals much about the social dynamics of 19th century bourgeois life. In this intimate scene, we see a man turned away, gazing out the window, while two women are seated inside. The weight of unspoken words hangs heavy in the air, reflecting the restrictive roles of women during this time. The woman in the foreground, with her downcast gaze, embodies a sense of disquiet. The composition subtly highlights the gendered power dynamics of the era, confining women within domestic spaces while men occupy a transitional, almost liminal space. Marstrand, as a keen observer of human nature, uses minimal strokes to convey profound emotional depth. It is as if he has captured the very essence of a strained relationship. The drawing provides a lens through which we can examine historical norms and lingering tensions, inviting us to reflect on how far we've come, and how much further we still need to go, in dismantling these societal constructs.