Béotisme Parisien, No. 16, ca. 1835-1837 : Répondes donc Monsieur (...) c. 1835 - 1837

This hand-colored lithograph titled Béotisme Parisien, No. 16 was created anonymously in Paris around 1835-1837. At the time, Parisian society was rapidly changing, with new social classes emerging and traditional hierarchies being challenged. This artwork captures a moment of social tension through the depiction of a bourgeois family dining while seemingly ignoring a Black servant boy. This image is a stark reminder of the era's racial inequalities. The family's indifference reflects prevailing attitudes towards race and class during the 19th century. The image raises unsettling questions about privilege, visibility, and marginalization. The title, which translates to Parisian Boeotianism, suggests that the artist intended to critique the perceived ignorance or backwardness of Parisian society. This image is a potent reminder of the complex intersections of identity, power, and representation. It invites us to reflect on the historical roots of contemporary social issues.