Blinde man bedrogen door zijn jongere vrouw 1709 - 1771

Laurent Cars created "Blinde man bedrogen door zijn jongere vrouw," a print, sometime between 1699 and 1771. Immediately, you're struck by the stark contrast between light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro, defining the forms and heightening the drama of the scene. The composition is carefully structured, with the figures arranged to draw your eye to the central deception: the blind man, oblivious, while his younger wife and her accomplice conspire. Lines of sight and body language are critical here, functioning as signs that reveal the hidden narrative. Notice how the linear perspective of the rustic interior leads us directly to the point of betrayal, emphasizing a breakdown in trust and social order. The use of texture, achieved through detailed engraving, adds depth and realism to the scene. This print is not merely an illustration but a commentary on social values, challenging conventional ideas about fidelity and power. The artist questions the stability of meaning, reflecting broader philosophical concerns about perception and truth.