Tekstblad over de Beeldhouwkunst 1693

This is a page from Tekstblad over de Beeldhouwkunst by Charles Perrault, created in the 17th century. Perrault’s writing offers insight into the cultural values of the French court during the reign of Louis XIV, a time when art was deeply intertwined with politics. As a member of the French Academy, Perrault was at the center of debates about the role of art in society. The page discusses the power of sculpture to immortalize and ennoble its subjects. Consider the dynamics of patronage and power at play here. The French court, with its rigid hierarchies and expectations, shaped both the creation and reception of art. How did gender, class, and political affiliation affect who had access to artistic expression and recognition? Perrault’s emphasis on the perfection and grandeur of sculptural works can be seen as both an aesthetic judgment and a reflection of the era's social values. There is an emotional investment in the artwork and how it reflects societal issues.