The Charlatan (Le charlatan) c. 1760

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin created this print, "The Charlatan," capturing a lively street scene characteristic of 18th-century Paris. During this period, public spaces were stages for commerce, performance, and social interactions. The image depicts a traveling quack doctor, or charlatan, who was a common figure in the city. These figures sold supposed remedies. But Saint-Aubin isn't just documenting street life; he's making a commentary on the socio-economic landscape. Charlatans exploited the desperation of the poor and the ignorance of the bourgeoisie, revealing a deep distrust in formal medicine and a fascination with spectacle. The surrounding crowd hints at the class dynamics at play, their varied reactions suggesting a mix of gullibility, skepticism, and entertainment. Saint-Aubin invites us to consider the power of illusion, the yearning for cures, and the ways in which people navigate a world filled with uncertainty and inequality.