Gehoor 1736

Jacques Philippe Le Bas created this print called 'Gehoor', or 'Hearing', after an original artwork from 1736. The print itself was made in 1786. Here, Le Bas creates a visual representation of sound. The central figure, a wandering musician with a hurdy-gurdy, embodies the act of listening through the sounds he creates. This image was part of a series owned by Madame la Comtesse de Verruë, highlighting the taste and collecting habits of the aristocracy. The social and economic structures of 18th-century France are deeply embedded in this print. The image reflects the cultural value placed on the senses, particularly in aristocratic circles, and the role of art as a status symbol. The choice of a traveling musician also hints at the broader social landscape. Understanding this artwork requires us to consider not just its visual elements but also its place within the social and institutional contexts of its time. Researching the collecting habits of the aristocracy and the role of printmaking in disseminating images can offer deeper insights into its meaning.