"Verbesserung der Sitten" 1784

This satirical print, "Verbesserung der Sitten," or "Improvement of Morals," was created by an anonymous artist. Likely made in the 18th century, this etching critiques societal norms. It’s a period marked by rigid social hierarchies, where morality was dictated by the elite. We see a man hunched over, seemingly burdened by the weight of contracts and societal expectations, surrounded by figures representing various institutions. The figures who loom over the man hold symbols of authority, like censers, scrolls, and crosses, and their exaggerated features suggest a critique of institutional hypocrisy and the superficiality of moral improvement. This image challenges the status quo, questioning whose morals are being improved and at what cost. It's a powerful reflection on the personal toll of societal pressures and the performative nature of virtue. It prompts us to consider how power structures influence individual lives.