Landschap met badende figuren 1666 - 1695

Jean Pesne created this landscape with bathing figures using etching techniques in the 17th century. This was a period marked by significant social and political stratification. The landscape, a stage for human activities, reflects these societal dynamics. Look closely and you'll notice the figures within the scene are engaging in different activities, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. Some are leisurely bathing in the water, while others stand clothed on the periphery. How does Pesne portray the body in relation to its social context, and how do these depictions reinforce or challenge existing norms? Consider the gaze—who is looking at whom, and what power dynamics are at play? In essence, Pesne’s landscape operates as both a visual pleasure and a complex social tableau. It allows us to consider how deeply ingrained societal norms shape our perceptions.