Opening to the Watering-Place 1751

Editor: This is "Opening to the Watering-Place" by Charles-Nicolas Cochin le jeune, and it's an etching. It feels like a scene of everyday life, but there’s also a sense of hierarchy. What social structures do you see reflected here? Curator: Well, etchings like these served a crucial public function. They were vehicles for disseminating images, especially of royal collections and aristocratic life. Consider how Cochin's work here subtly promotes an image of order and control, essential to maintaining social hierarchies. Notice the postures of the riders versus those on foot. Editor: So, it's less about capturing a candid moment and more about reinforcing certain power dynamics? Curator: Precisely. The 'watering-place' isn't just a practical location, it's a stage for displaying status through leisure, animals, and the implied labour supporting it all. What did you notice about the landscape in the background? Editor: I hadn't considered the landscape as another signal of power. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: My pleasure. It’s a good reminder that art often plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions.