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Music cover, spinning wheel scene from Martha
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Music cover, spinning wheel scene from Martha
Music cover for the comic opera entitled Martha, or the Market at Richmond by Friedrich von Flotow (1812-1883), set in the early 18th century. It was first performed in Vienna in 1847, and later at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in 1849. Lady Harriet and her maid, tired of high society, disguise themselves as Martha and Julia. They are seen here sitting at their spinning wheels, which they are incapable of operating, and the two men with them are their unsuccessful suitors. The scene is set to music as a quartet
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Media ID 4459753
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10413039
1849 1850 1850s Courtship Disguise Drury Escape Flotow Friedrich Harriet Julia Lane Maid Martha Money Opera Performed Proposal Proposing Purse Rejection Richmond Spinning Tired Vienna Money Bag
EDITORS COMMENTS
Martha: A Comic Opera Quartet - Spinning Wheels of Love and Rejection in the Early 18th Century This print depicts a scene from Friedrich von Flotow's comic opera, Martha, or The Market at Richmond, first performed in Vienna in 1847 and later at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in 1849. Set in the early 18th century, the opera tells the story of Lady Harriet and her maid, Julia, who tire of high society and its rigid class distinctions. In a bold move to escape the monotony of courtship proposals and societal expectations, the two women disguise themselves as Martha and Julia, respectively. In this image, the disguised ladies are depicted sitting at their spinning wheels, a common pastime for women of the time. However, they are unable to operate the wheels effectively, adding to the comedic element of the scene. Two unsuccessful suitors, oblivious to their true identities, are seen in the foreground, attempting to propose to the women. The quartet is set to music, adding an enchanting layer to the scene. The spinning wheels symbolize the women's desire for independence and their rejection of societal norms. The money bags at their feet, however, hint at the financial security they hope to gain through marriage. The scene is a poignant commentary on the role of women in society during the 18th and 19th centuries and the limitations they faced in matters of love and marriage. This print, with its rich historical context and intriguing narrative, is a must-have for any opera or history enthusiast. The image, from Mary Evans Prints Online, is a testament to the enduring appeal of Martha and the Market at Richmond, which continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes of love, rejection, and the human desire for freedom.
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