An elegant gathering 

Cesare Auguste Detti painted 'An Elegant Gathering' showcasing an imagined scene from the 18th century. Born in Italy but working in Paris, Detti specialized in these kinds of genre scenes, which found a ready market amongst wealthy collectors. These works often depicted idealized versions of the past. Detti presents us with a vision of leisure and refinement, but it's also worth considering what this image leaves out. Who is not represented in this gathering? What perspectives are missing? The lives of the working class, the poor, and the marginalized remain invisible. Consider how the clothing and setting reinforce notions of class and status. Detti's painting invites us to reflect on the stories we tell about history, and whose voices get to be heard. It's a beautiful painting, yes, but beauty can also be deceptive.