Don Quixote exits his house to become a wandering knight 1781

Editor: This is an engraving by Augustin de Saint-Aubin called "Don Quixote exits his house to become a wandering knight." The detail is amazing, especially considering its size! How does this image reflect the story's broader cultural context? Curator: It's fascinating how Saint-Aubin uses this image to critique societal expectations and the role of chivalry in the 18th century. Does this image present Don Quixote as a hero or a figure of fun? Editor: Maybe both? I initially saw him as ridiculous, but now I'm wondering if Saint-Aubin is subtly questioning the audience's own assumptions about heroism. Curator: Exactly. The print engages with Don Quixote's legacy and invites viewers to reconsider their own values through the politics of representation in the arts. Editor: I hadn't considered that! Thanks for helping me look at the image in a new light. Curator: My pleasure. It's a powerful image that makes us reflect on how stories shape our understanding of society.