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Maids and Mistresses, December 1, 1791. December 1, 1791. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
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Maids and Mistresses, December 1, 1791. December 1, 1791. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Maids and Mistresses, December 1, 1791
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Media ID 19986612
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Employer Hats Housemaid Maid Maids Rowlandson Rowlandson Thomas Servant Servants Social Class Thomas Rowlandson Hand Coloured Hand Tinted
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Maids and Mistresses, December 1,1791 - A Glimpse into the Social Hierarchy of 18th Century Britain
EDITORS COMMENTS
. In this etching by Thomas Rowlandson, we are transported back to December 1,1791, where a bustling scene unfolds in front of us. The artist skillfully captures the stark contrast between maids and mistresses within British society during the eighteenth century. The hand-colored print showcases a row of elegant houses with neatly dressed women peering out from their windows. These ladies represent the privileged class - employers who enjoy a life of comfort and luxury. Their elaborate dresses and fashionable hats symbolize their elevated social status. Contrasting against this opulence are the maids depicted on street level. Dressed in simpler attire with modest bonnets adorning their heads, they carry out their daily tasks diligently as servants to these affluent households. Through Rowlandson's meticulous detailing, we can almost feel the weight of responsibility that rests upon these hardworking women's shoulders. This artwork not only highlights the disparities in clothing but also serves as a visual commentary on social class divisions prevalent at that time. It reminds us that behind every grand facade lies an intricate network of relationships shaped by occupation and societal expectations. As we gaze upon this piece displayed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), let us reflect on how far our understanding of equality has come since then while acknowledging the progress still needed for true inclusivity in today's world
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