Woman’s Aesthetic Mission

This book forms the final, and arguably most significant chapter of Jacob Von Falke's notable book Art in the House - chapter x is titled 'Woman's Aesthetic Mission'. The mission of the book was to educate men in how to best display - or monitor their wives in displaying - art collections, everyday objects and furniture in a pleasing fashion within the home. The book might therefore be considered an original tome of interior design, persuading homeowners to enhance, decorate, arrange and furnish their homes to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. Moreover, almost 150 years old, the text offers a glimpse into the expected codes of conduct for gendered roles ascribed to men and women in the 19th Century. However, we must ask ourselves, to what extent have things changed? There are surprising (and alarming) similarities with the denigration of women's capabilities in both their creation of artworks, and their perceived limitations in capability. Includes an introduction by Dr Helen Gorrill, feminist art historian