Portret van Lekain 1745 - 1775

Claude-Antoine Littret de Montigny created this print of Henry Louis Lekain. Lekain was a famous French actor and this image gives us a glimpse into the cultural values of 18th-century France and its institutions. The inscription tells us that Lekain is esteemed for having restored 'forgotten costumes', it is he who reestablished Melpomene, the Greek muse of tragedy. This wasn't just about fashion, it reflected a broader cultural trend of embracing classical ideals of drama, and the rediscovery of Greco-Roman culture through archaeology. This wasn't just about art but the broader values of French society under the reign of Louis XV. Studying prints like these can offer invaluable insights into the cultural values of the era. Museum records, private correspondence and theater archives, can help us understand the social and institutional contexts. These clues help us understand the dynamic relationship between art, culture, and society.