Oude man die zijn vrouw voorleest 1829 - 1849

Petrus Marius Molijn made this etching, "Old Man Reading to His Wife", in the 1840s. Molijn died young, at only 29, in a cholera epidemic. The scene depicts an interior in which an elderly man sits and reads to his wife, who lies in bed. This quiet, intimate moment speaks to the cultural values of 19th-century Dutch society, emphasizing domesticity and the importance of familial relationships. The setting is humble, yet the act of reading brings a sense of warmth and connection to the space. The man’s literacy and engagement in reading aloud suggests a degree of education and social awareness that might have been aspirational for some viewers. The work invites reflection on the emotional and personal aspects of daily life. It’s a poignant reminder of the simple pleasures of companionship and the comfort found in shared moments.