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Selling a Wife to highest bidder, UK, 1816 (engraving) 1816
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Selling a Wife to highest bidder, UK, 1816 (engraving) 1816
533501 Selling a Wife to highest bidder, UK, 1816 (engraving) 1816.; (add.info.: Illegal, but done in Sheffield 1803 Brighton 1808 and is an incident in Thomas Hardy's novel The Mayor of Casterbridge - Engraving from Popular Passtimes London); Universal History Archive/UIG
Media ID 38092044
© Universal History Archive/UIG / Bridgeman Images
1803 1808 1816 Bidder Brighton East Sussex Hand Coloured Hardy Highest Illegal Incident Mayor Mr Thomas Hardy Popular Selling Sheffield Thomas Thomas Hardy Thomas Hardy 1840 1928 Casterbridge
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving from 1816 depicts the disturbing practice of selling a wife to the highest bidder, a shocking but unfortunately real phenomenon in 19th century England. Despite being illegal, such auctions took place in various cities including Sheffield and Brighton, as highlighted in Thomas Hardy's novel The Mayor of Casterbridge.
The image captures the heart-wrenching moment when a woman is treated as mere property, her fate determined by the highest bidder. The scene is filled with tension and emotion, reflecting the harsh realities faced by women during this time period.
Thomas Hardy's powerful storytelling brings to life this dark chapter in history, shedding light on the injustices and struggles faced by women who were often seen as disposable commodities rather than human beings with rights and dignity.
Through this engraving, we are reminded of the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for equality and respect for all individuals. It serves as a poignant reminder of how far society has come in terms of gender equality while also highlighting the work that still needs to be done to ensure that every person is treated with fairness and humanity.
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