Schermutseling op een plein 1758 - 1810

Louis Ducros made this wash drawing called 'Skirmish on a Square' around the late 1700s. It seems to capture a moment of unrest in a public space. Created during the Enlightenment, the artwork offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. Ducros, a Swiss artist working in Italy, often depicted scenes of everyday life, and this one is no exception. The figures, engaged in what appears to be a heated dispute, reflect the tensions brewing beneath the surface of 18th-century European society. Was Ducros simply documenting a street brawl, or was he commenting on the broader socio-political climate? As historians, we can delve deeper by examining contemporary accounts, political pamphlets, and even police records to uncover the true meaning behind this seemingly simple image. By understanding the context in which it was created, we can unlock the artwork's hidden layers and appreciate its significance as a reflection of its time.