Virtue at the Tavern 1768

Curator: Virtue at the Tavern, an etching by Jean-Baptiste Le Prince, depicts a woman seemingly intervening in a tavern scene. Editor: It has a dramatic, almost theatrical feel to it, with the darkness and sharp contrasts. It's like a moral play unfolding before us. Curator: Le Prince was known for his genre scenes, and this piece plays with the traditional allegory of virtue, placing it in a contemporary, earthly setting. Editor: How interesting, because the title reads “Virtue at the Cabaret,” I wonder about the intended irony here. Is the artist criticizing societal norms regarding female virtue and public spaces? Curator: It's certainly a commentary on the perceived dangers of taverns, particularly for women. The print circulated widely, shaping public perceptions of morality. Editor: The composition asks us to question power dynamics—who gets to define virtue, and in what contexts? Curator: Indeed, it invites us to consider the social construction of morality itself. Editor: It’s a powerful statement.