St. Pierre fair, Giourjevo, Wallachia, July 11, 1837 1839

Auguste Raffet created this lithograph titled ‘St. Pierre fair, Giourjevo, Wallachia, July 11, 1837.’ Raffet’s work offers a glimpse into 19th-century Wallachia, now part of Romania, capturing a bustling annual fair. In the throng of people from different walks of life, we witness the vibrant cultural exchanges and economic activities that defined the region. But it’s impossible to ignore the undercurrents of social stratification inherent in this representation. Raffet, a Frenchman, brings his own perspective as an outsider looking in. How does his cultural lens shape our understanding of Wallachian society? While this work appears documentary, we can see how Raffet's rendering of the scene underscores the power dynamics between the artist and the community he depicts. Reflect on the ways this artwork invites us to consider the complexities of cultural representation and historical memory.