Pestslachtoffers in de haven van Marseille 1720

Jacques Rigaud made this print of the "Pestslachtoffers in de haven van Marseille" at an unknown date. It depicts victims of the plague in the harbor of Marseille. Rigaud’s image captures a moment of profound social disruption. The city’s port, usually a site of trade and prosperity, is now a scene of death and despair. The print emphasizes the impact of the plague on the urban fabric, the breakdown of social order, and the failure of institutions to protect the population. The grand architecture of the city hall in the background is thrown into sharp relief by the bodies in the foreground. It speaks volumes about the social inequalities of 18th-century France, where the wealthy lived in relative comfort while the poor suffered the brunt of disease and death. Historical records, such as medical reports, municipal archives, and personal letters, can provide further insights into the social and political context of this image. By examining these resources, we can better understand the human impact of the plague and its broader implications for French society.