Slaapkamerinterieur met gezelschap en Ragotin in een kist 1732

Louis Surugue created this print, "Bedroom interior with company and Ragotin in a box," sometime in the 18th century. It depicts a scene of chaos and discovery within the intimate setting of a bedroom. The print offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time, particularly concerning gender and class. Here we see Ragotin, a figure of ridicule, caught in a compromising situation, likely a commentary on social transgression and perhaps even sexual politics. The expressions on the faces of the surrounding figures convey a mix of shock, amusement, and judgment, reflecting the rigid social norms of the period. The setting—a bedroom—hints at themes of privacy, vulnerability, and exposure. In that way the print serves as a tableau of social critique, inviting us to consider the power dynamics at play and the consequences of deviating from expected behaviors. The emotional tension palpable in the scene is both entertaining and unsettling. This domestic drama reminds us that personal spaces are often the stage upon which societal norms are either upheld or challenged.