Portret van Charles-Michel de l'Epée 1825 - 1842

Nicolas Maurin created this portrait of Charles-Michel de l'Épée with lithography in France. Looking at this portrait, we see more than just an image of a man; we're glimpsing into the social consciousness of 19th-century France. De l'Épée, a pioneer in deaf education, challenges the norms of a society that often marginalized those with disabilities. Maurin's work reflects the Enlightenment ideals gaining momentum at the time – a focus on reason, humanitarianism, and the importance of education for all. The choice of lithography, a relatively new and accessible medium, further underscores this progressive spirit. To fully appreciate this portrait, we can delve into the history of deaf education, explore the social attitudes towards disability in 19th-century France, and examine the role of institutions like the church in shaping those attitudes. It reminds us that art is always a product of its time, reflecting the complex interplay of social, cultural, and institutional forces.