Compositie met vier vrouwen bij een steen, het hoofd van een oude man en een blinde man met hond 1758

Jean Jacques de Boissieu made this print of an etching in the 18th century. Boissieu, from Lyon, often explored the lives of ordinary people, engaging with the period's fascination for both landscape and the human condition. This composition gathers observations of everyday life; four women in conversation, an old man, and a blind man led by a dog. It reflects the social fabric of the time. The images, presented without a clear narrative, invite us to contemplate the diverse roles and experiences within society. Lyon in the 1700s was a city of contrasts, experiencing economic growth alongside social inequality. Prints like these offer glimpses into the lives of those often overlooked in grand historical narratives. To fully appreciate Boissieu's work, we can consult period documents and visual records to reveal the social and institutional context of the art. The meaning of art changes, depending on its social and institutional context.