Abbot Emeric Brulon (?), pl. XI from "Recueil de caricatures" 1749 - 1759

Ange-Laurent de La Live de Jully created this print, Abbot Emeric Brulon (?), as part of a series of caricatures during the height of the Enlightenment. De La Live de Jully’s satirical work offers insight into the social and political dynamics of 18th-century France. The figure, an abbot, is rendered with exaggerated features, subtly critiquing the power and privilege associated with the clergy. Through caricature, the artist engages with themes of identity, questioning the roles and expectations placed upon individuals within the rigid structures of the time. The print also reflects the growing tensions between the aristocracy and the common people, laying bare the complexities of class and status. Although satirical, this work carries a poignant dimension. It invites us to reflect on the tension between public perception and private identity, and how societal roles can both define and confine us.