The Chimney-Sweep 1739

Editor: Here we see "The Chimney-Sweep" by Jacques Dumont. It's a print, and the figures are really striking. The textures in their clothing are quite detailed. What story do you think this image is trying to tell? Curator: Dumont presents us with a raw depiction of labor and childhood in the 18th century. Consider the social dynamics at play: the child's labor supporting the family unit, the mother's burden, perhaps the absence of the father. The print itself is an act of social commentary, made accessible through its medium. Who was this print intended for? Editor: So it's bringing awareness of societal issues to a wider audience. I hadn’t considered the print's accessibility. Curator: Precisely. The distribution of prints like these contributed to a growing public consciousness and dialogue around social inequalities of the era. Editor: That's a new way to view this piece and others like it. I'll consider this social commentary more deeply moving forward.