Vrouw met soldaat en jaloerse echtgenoot aan tafel after 1842

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet made this print, "Woman with soldier and jealous husband at the table," using etching techniques. The image depicts a fraught social scene, one common enough in early 19th-century France. We see a woman, seated at a table with a soldier, while her husband looks on with folded arms and a clear expression of jealousy. The print invites us to consider the social dynamics of the time, particularly the status and roles of women, the military presence in society, and the ever-present themes of love, marriage, and jealousy. Charlet was known for his lithographs depicting military life, and this print provides a glimpse into the everyday interactions between soldiers and civilians. Consider the social conditions that might have shaped this scenario. Was the woman's behavior considered inappropriate? What power did the husband wield in this situation? Historical context is crucial for understanding the nuances of this artwork. By consulting historical documents, social histories, and even literature from the period, we can gain deeper insights into the cultural norms and values that influenced both the creation and reception of this image.