Ragotin krijgt een tik op zijn vingers van een dame 1696 - 1755

Jean-Baptiste Oudry made this print, "Ragotin Gets a Rap on the Knuckles from a Lady," in France sometime in the first half of the 18th century. It offers a glimpse into the world of French theater and its social dynamics. Here we see a scene unfolding, likely backstage or in a private garden connected to a theater. The central figure, Ragotin, is being reprimanded by a woman, possibly an actress, with a sharp rap on the knuckles. This action suggests a breach of etiquette or perhaps an unwelcome advance. The surrounding figures, dressed in the fashion of the time, observe with varying degrees of amusement and concern. France in the 1700s was characterized by a strict social hierarchy and elaborate codes of conduct, especially within artistic circles. Theater was a popular form of entertainment and a reflection of societal norms and power structures. Prints like this one provide valuable insights into these dynamics, offering a narrative snapshot of the relationships between performers, patrons, and the social expectations of the era. For further study, one might consult theater archives, costume history books, and biographies of prominent figures in the French arts scene.