Portret van de geograaf Jean-Denis Barbié du Bocage 1821

Julien-Léopold Boilly created this print of Jean-Denis Barbié du Bocage in France, during the late 18th or early 19th century. It presents a fascinating glimpse into the world of French scientific and intellectual elites. The image celebrates an individual of scientific and intellectual standing, a prominent geographer during a time of great political and social change. Bocage's association with the Institut Royal de France is also clearly stated; we see the importance of these institutions in shaping intellectual life and solidifying social status. The print subtly reinforces existing power structures by immortalizing and celebrating figures like Bocage. To fully understand this artwork, one would need to research the role of scientific institutions in post-revolutionary France, and the criteria for membership. This image provides insight into how cultural and intellectual elites navigated and shaped French society. It's a rich source for understanding the social conditions that shaped artistic production and the public role of art.