Abbot Eusèbe Renaudot c. 18th century

Editor: This print shows Abbot Eusèbe Renaudot by François Chereau. It’s quite formal, and he seems like a powerful figure. What can you tell me about him? Curator: Consider Renaudot's intellectual and religious power during a time of immense social stratification. Do you notice the city in the background? It’s likely Rome, indicating his ties to the Catholic Church. He holds a book, symbolizing knowledge and authority, but whose knowledge was valued, and at what cost? Editor: So, this image isn't just about Renaudot as an individual, but about the systems he represented? Curator: Exactly! It prompts us to question the dynamics of power, the role of the Church, and who gets to shape knowledge and history. Editor: That really shifts my perspective. It’s not just a portrait; it’s a statement about societal structures. Curator: Precisely. It encourages a deeper understanding of the intersection between identity, power, and historical context.