Portret van Charles-Michel de L'Épée 1825 - 1827

Nicolas Henri Jacob created this portrait of Charles-Michel de l'Épée, likely as a print. The artwork immortalizes a figure who lived through the Enlightenment and just before the French Revolution. De l’Épée dedicated his life to educating the deaf, a marginalized community often excluded from broader society. De l’Épée developed a method of visual instruction that became the precursor to modern sign language. This was at a time when deaf people were often seen as unteachable. He challenged these societal assumptions by providing access to education, thereby advocating for the recognition of their inherent dignity and intelligence. Consider the power dynamics at play: here is a member of the clergy, typically associated with authority, redirecting his efforts to uplift those on the margins. His legacy prompts us to reflect on how we construct categories of inclusion and exclusion and to consider the transformative potential of inclusive education. This image serves as a reminder of the individuals who strive to create more equitable and accessible worlds.