Eighteen Scenes of Courtship (recto), Study of Two Men Meeting Before a Portico 18th century

This ink on paper work, titled Eighteen Scenes of Courtship, presents a series of vignettes depicting the rituals of courtship. While the artist remains anonymous, the piece offers a fascinating window into social mores and gender dynamics. The scenes, reminiscent of a storyboard, likely reflect the performative aspects of courtship within a specific social class. We see these figures engaging in dances, musical performances, and formal exchanges. The composition of each scene subtly highlights power dynamics, with men often depicted in more active roles and women in positions of observation or reception. The artist leaves us to consider the expectations placed on individuals. The delicate lines and intimate scale of the drawing invite you to consider the emotional nuances within these societal rituals, prompting reflection on whether these scenes celebrate or critique the conventions of love and marriage.