Voltaire, Fréron et la Beaumelle 1775

Augustin de Saint-Aubin created this print, "Voltaire, Fréron et la Beaumelle," sometime around 1775. It presents a commentary on Voltaire's "La Henriade." The print provides a glimpse into the world of 18th-century French intellectual and literary circles. The image creates meaning through visual codes. The portraits, the cherubs, and the theatrical masks are all cultural references to the world of literature and criticism. The location of printing “A Berlin” and distribution in Paris indicates the vast network of the Enlightenment Republic of Letters. To understand this artwork, we would research the figures depicted, the literary feuds of the time, and the role of print culture in shaping public opinion. We can also question how institutions shape the production and reception of art. By researching these aspects, we can appreciate how art is deeply embedded in its social and institutional context.