Man wordt uitbundig begroet 1827 - 1828

Francis Conscience made this print, ‘Man wordt uitbundig begroet’, sometime in the early 19th century. It’s a lithograph that offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. The scene depicts a man being enthusiastically greeted, possibly after a night out. Note how the image creates meaning through its depiction of class and gender: in the clothing of the figures, their gestures, and the French inscription. Made in France, it reflects the post-Revolutionary era, a time when social norms were being questioned and renegotiated, and institutions were being reformed. The print may be seen as a commentary on the social structures of its time, self-consciously critiquing the elite. Art historians use a range of resources to understand such images, including period publications, social histories, and institutional records. This helps us understand how art both reflects and shapes the society in which it is created.