Boze vrouw met man c. 1826 - 1850

This print of a disgruntled woman and a man was made by Nicolas Maurin, active in France in the first half of the 19th century. The artwork hints at some kind of marital dispute. Prints like this were widely circulated and were a staple of French popular culture at the time. They would have been displayed in public places, such as cafes, to amuse and entertain the public. It's also likely it was a commentary on the social structures of its time, particularly the dynamics between men and women in marriage. The image creates meaning through visual codes, such as the woman’s angry gestures and the man’s nonchalant posture. The text at the bottom adds a layer of interpretation, suggesting a sense of regret or disillusionment. To understand this work better, it might be helpful to look at other popular prints and caricatures of the time. These images can reveal a great deal about the social norms and cultural values of 19th-century France.