Griekse jonge monnik 1771

Benigno Bossi made this print of a Greek young monk in the 18th century. Here, we see a figure clad in a stylized, geometric, costume. It is Bossi’s creative interpretation of Greek monastic attire. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. This was the time of the Grand Tour, and the European fascination with classical antiquity. Bossi likely never encountered a ‘Greek young monk’. Instead he relied on the cultural vogue of the period, which idealized the ancient world, reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens. The costume’s severe geometry hints at the Enlightenment’s rationalizing spirit. To fully appreciate this artwork, the historian researches the 18th century and the Grand Tour phenomenon. Considering the artistic conventions and cultural biases of the time, we can understand how the image reflects the values and perceptions of its original audience. Art is always contingent on social context.