The Snack 1787 - 1793

Louis Marin Bonnet created this color etching and engraving called “The Snack” in France during the 18th century. It captures a leisurely scene, revealing aspects of French aristocratic life during that time. Note the composition: a well-dressed family is gathered for an outdoor snack, served by an African servant. This element reflects the complex relationship between the French aristocracy and people of color during the colonial era, highlighting themes of race, class, and power. The scene suggests an emotional atmosphere of domesticity, yet it also speaks volumes about the racial and economic structures of the time. Looking at this work, one might reflect on the stories it doesn't tell. Whose perspectives are absent? The servant's experience, for example, remains unseen, unheard. "The Snack" invites us to consider not only what is shown, but what is deliberately left out, shaping our understanding of both the artwork and the society it reflects.