An Artist at the French Academy in Rome (?), pl. XIII from "Recueil de caricatures" 1749 - 1759

Ange-Laurent de La Live de Jully made this print, An Artist at the French Academy in Rome, as part of a collection of caricatures. It offers a satirical view into the art world of 18th-century France. The print’s exaggeration immediately signals its critical intent. This is not a flattering portrait. The figure’s thin frame, combined with the oversized hat and shoes, serve to mock the self-importance of artists trained in Rome. The French Academy in Rome was a powerful institution, shaping artistic taste and careers. Artists who studied there were seen as the elite, and this print pokes fun at that elitism. It is a commentary on the social hierarchy within the art world itself. To fully appreciate this caricature, one must delve into the archives, exploring the Academy’s history and the social dynamics of the art world during that time. The print reminds us that art is always embedded in a particular social and institutional context.