Compositie met vijftien bustes van mannen en vrouwen van verschillende leeftijden c. 1736

Jacques Philippe Le Bas created this print titled "Composition with fifteen busts of men and women of different ages," sometime in the 18th century. Le Bas lived during a time of significant social stratification, and this work reflects the hierarchical structures of his era. In this piece, Le Bas presents a diverse array of characters that invite us to consider the ways in which identity is performed. Notice the range of headwear; turbans, helmets, and caps, each denoting different roles and statuses within society. Who are these people, and what are their stories? How do their faces reflect the intersectional layers of gender, age, and class? Le Bas was known for his skill in capturing human expression, and here he offers a glimpse into the nuanced realities of 18th-century life. What does it mean to see such a varied group represented? Perhaps it is an attempt to capture the breadth of human experience within a society defined by rigid boundaries.