Titelpagina voor: L'Alcoran des cordeliers, 1734 1732 - 1733

This is Bernard Picart’s etching from 1734, the title page for ‘L'Alcoran des cordeliers’. Published after Picart's death, the print critiques monastic life, reflecting the Enlightenment era's growing skepticism towards religious institutions. The title, translating to "The Koran of the Cordeliers," uses satire to compare the practices of Franciscan friars, known as Cordeliers, with Islamic texts, implying a parallel between perceived religious absurdities. Look closely at the ornate frame which surrounds the title, decorated with symbols of monastic orders, including rosaries and religious figures, combined with the book's title. This suggests a commentary on religious ritual and potentially questions the sincerity of monastic devotion. This image invites us to reflect on the historical critiques of religious authority and the ways in which satire can challenge established norms. The emotional impact of such critiques is complex, ranging from humorous dismissal to serious questioning of faith and power.