Echtgenoot bij zijn opgebaarde vrouw 1778 - 1785

This print, "Echtgenoot bij zijn opgebaarde vrouw", or "Husband with his deceased wife" was made by Noach van der (II) Meer in the late 18th century in the Netherlands. It depicts a scene of grief and mourning that was typical of Dutch culture at the time. The image creates meaning through a number of visual codes. The stark lighting and somber colors emphasize the gravity of the situation. The husband's dramatic gesture and the presence of the shrouded body further underscore the themes of loss and mourning. The image reflects the social conventions surrounding death and mourning in 18th-century Dutch society. Death was a public event, and elaborate rituals were performed to honor the deceased and comfort the bereaved. Historians can consult a range of period sources, such as funeral sermons, mourning manuals, and probate records, to gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context in which this artwork was made. Art offers us a window onto the values, beliefs, and practices of past societies.