Schoenmaker 1744

Jacques Philippe Le Bas created this print called "Schoenmaker" in the 18th century. It depicts a shoemaker in his workshop, a scene that speaks volumes about the social fabric of the time. The shoemaker's craft, once vital, reflects a society where skilled labor was the backbone of the economy. But this print is not just a neutral record; it offers us a glimpse into the visual codes of 18th-century France. Was Le Bas, working within the structures of the French art world, subtly critiquing or celebrating the common worker? Was it self-consciously conservative or progressive? As historians, we can delve into the archives, exploring guild records, economic data, and other visual representations of labor. These resources help us understand not only the image but also the complex web of social, economic, and institutional forces that shaped its creation.