Visitekaartje van Jean-Baptiste-François Raucourt, boekhandelaar en drukker te Charleville

This business card for Jean-Baptiste-François Raucourt, a bookseller and printer in Charleville, was printed using an engraving, likely during the 18th century. The card provides a fascinating snapshot of the cultural and intellectual landscape of the time. At the top, we see an image of Charleville, bathed in celestial light. This optimistic rendering of urban life contrasts with the reality for many, as the era was marked by rigid social hierarchies. As a bookseller and printer, Raucourt occupied a unique position, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge. His business likely catered to the elite, offering religious texts and scholarly works. Yet, we can see the promise of broader access to literacy through his offerings for colleges and schools. Note the phrase "Tolle Lege" emblazoned across the top, meaning "take up and read". With this simple phrase, Raucourt acknowledges the transformative potential of literature. The business card is a reminder of the power of the printed word to inspire, educate, and shape society.