La Blanchisserie 1758 - 1759

Hubert Robert painted 'La Blanchisserie' in France at a time when artists were questioning traditional subjects. Here, Robert depicts a laundry house, a space of labor often unseen, imbuing it with an almost romantic quality through his use of light and composition. This wasn't just a representation of everyday life; it was a conscious elevation of the working class into the realm of fine art. France in the 18th century was on the cusp of revolution. Artists like Robert were beginning to challenge the established order by turning their attention to the lives of ordinary people, as opposed to the aristocracy or classical myths. Institutions such as the Royal Academy still held considerable sway, dictating artistic tastes and subjects, yet there was a growing interest in the realities of the working class. To fully understand this piece, historians often look at archival documents, social histories, and even literature from the period. This helps us understand the social currents that shaped the artist's choices. The meaning of art is contingent on its social context.