Herberginterieur met vechtende mannen 1746 - 1780

Jean Pelletier made this print of a tavern brawl sometime around 1736. It depicts a chaotic scene of men fighting, while another man plays music, seemingly unbothered by the violence. The image seems to comment on the social structures of its time, presenting a scene of disorder and moral decay within a humble setting. The print was made in France. During this period, France experienced significant social and economic disparities, with the majority of the population living in poverty while a small elite enjoyed immense wealth and privilege. Taverns were often associated with lower social classes and were seen as places of vice and disorder by the upper classes and the authorities. The print, therefore, likely serves as a commentary on the perceived moral decline of the lower classes. To understand the context of this image, it would be useful to examine police records of the time. Through such study, art history can show us how cultural institutions, even in the 18th century, shape the production and reception of art.