Portret van Nicolas Boileau naar de Parnassus gedragen 1729

This print, made by Bernard Picart around the turn of the 18th century, depicts the poet Nicolas Boileau being carried to Parnassus, the mountain home of the Muses in Greek mythology. Here, Boileau's portrait is held aloft by a muse, and he's surrounded by other allegorical figures, being offered a crown of laurel leaves, a symbol of poetic achievement. This was a period in France when the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture held considerable power over artistic production, promoting a classical style with a focus on decorum and order. The image suggests how the French monarchy attempted to associate itself with the cultural achievements of ancient societies like Greece and Rome, and it elevates Boileau to a similar status. To better understand this print, we might research the history of the Academy, study Boileau's writings, and consider the political role of art under Louis XIV. By understanding the social and institutional context, we see that this image isn't just a portrait, it's a statement about the power of art and its role in shaping cultural values.