The Merchant of Poultry and Game 1768

Editor: This is "The Merchant of Poultry and Game," an undated print by Jean-Baptiste Le Prince. The merchant seems weighed down, yet the background shows people enjoying leisure. What social commentary might Le Prince be making here? Curator: It's fascinating how Le Prince contrasts the merchant's labor with the leisure of others. Consider the context: prints like these circulated widely, shaping perceptions of different social classes. How might this image reinforce or challenge existing social hierarchies? Editor: So, the print isn't just a depiction, but an active participant in shaping social views? Curator: Precisely. The image invites viewers to consider the realities of labor and leisure within 18th-century society, possibly prompting reflection on the fairness of social divisions. Editor: That's given me a whole new perspective on the piece! Curator: It’s amazing how art reflects—and shapes—society.