The older sister 1889

Albrecht Anker painted this scene of domestic life with oil on canvas. The work depicts a typical scene of childhood in the late 19th century. Made in Switzerland, we see an older sister interacting with her younger sibling in what appears to be a simple rural home. But how might institutions such as the family and gender roles shape our understanding of such an image? Is this a timeless scene of sisterhood? Or, could it be a comment on social structures of its time? Looking at the older sister, her clothing and hairstyle indicate her role as a caretaker. Is this a nostalgic representation of simpler times, or does the painting subtly critique the limited opportunities available to young women? The painting invites questions about labor, education, and the changing roles of women in Swiss society. Historians might consult census records, family papers, and contemporary accounts to provide a richer understanding of the picture's setting. The meaning of Anker's work is thus contingent on its social and institutional context.