Bogeyman: Advice of the Great Mother/Cover of sheet music c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Frédéric Bouchot’s sheet music cover, titled "Bogeyman: Advice of the Great Mother." Editor: Oh, chilling! That devilish figure swooping down to snatch children... it’s like a dark fairytale. Curator: Bouchot’s choice of imagery speaks volumes about the socio-political anxieties of his time, especially concerning childhood innocence and societal threats. Editor: Right, but also, the bogeyman is kind of cool, isn't he? Almost a bit theatrical, like a performer in a morality play. Curator: Indeed, it’s a fascinating blend of social commentary and dark humor, very much in line with the era's anxieties about public performance and hidden intentions. Editor: It’s amazing how such a simple image can spark so many thoughts!