Ragotin met twee dames op een trap 1696 - 1755

Jean-Baptiste Oudry created this print, "Ragotin met twee dames op een trap," using etching. It illustrates a scene of social awkwardness and mishap, reflecting the cultural values and class dynamics of 18th-century France. The print depicts a clumsy encounter on a staircase, where Ragotin's attempt at gallantry leads to comic disaster. Oudry uses visual codes of dress and pose to highlight social distinctions. We can see the precariousness of social climbing and the disruptions caused by those who transgress class boundaries. This print offers us insight into the period's anxieties about social mobility, the ideals of civility, and the ever-present potential for social embarrassment. It encourages us to consider the social rituals of the time. To dig deeper, one might research conduct manuals, fashion plates, and satirical literature from the era. All of these resources would reveal the complex interplay between art and social life in 18th-century France.