Twee mannen in conversatie 1786

Emmanuel Jean de Ghendt made this print, "Two Men in Conversation," in the 18th century. It depicts two men in conversation, surrounded by the trappings of wealth and learning. The space is defined by a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, a globe, and other objects that indicate the men's social status. The print is an illustration that accompanies a French book, “Le Comte de Gabalis.” The book is a collection of conversations about the occult. The men are likely discussing the ideas in the book, which would have been considered radical and even dangerous at the time. "Le Comte de Gabalis" was placed on the Vatican's list of forbidden books in 1670. The artist is commenting on the social structures of his own time, when radical new ideas were beginning to circulate widely among the literate classes. Researching the history of books like "Le Comte de Gabalis" and institutions like the Vatican can help us better understand the complex social and intellectual history behind this image.