Lodge the Pilgrims 1635

Abraham Bosse created this print, Lodge the Pilgrims, in the 17th century using etching. It offers us a window into the social values of its time. The image presents a scene of hospitality. We see a well-to-do woman welcoming a group of pilgrims. Bosse was a French artist, and the print reflects the importance of religious devotion and charity in French society at the time. Consider the historical context of religious conflict in Europe, with the Reformation and Counter-Reformation shaping social and political landscapes. Prints like this one contributed to constructing social norms. It encouraged pious behavior and reinforced social hierarchies through the display of charitable acts by the wealthy. To truly understand this artwork, we turn to social history. We can examine etiquette manuals, religious texts, and records of charitable institutions to better grasp its cultural significance. These resources help us understand the role of art in shaping and reflecting the social structures of its time.