Bloemen in vaas met slangen 1778

Etienne Claude Voysard made this image of flowers in a vase with snakes, using etching, sometime around the late 18th century. The image blends traditional still life elements with symbols of deception. The beautiful flowers, symbols of luxury and status, are juxtaposed with snakes, traditionally symbols of cunning and falsehood. What could Voysard be saying here about the morality of wealth and power? Born in France in 1746, Voysard was part of an intellectual circle that challenged traditional assumptions about wealth. France at this time was a society of great inequality, and the visual arts were central to debates about the morality of the French Aristocracy. As you consider this image, think about the social and cultural context that informed it. You can do further research into 18th-century French social structures to better understand the message that Voysard was hoping to convey.