Au cercle 1908

Jean Béraud painted "Au cercle" in France, presumably in the late 19th or early 20th century. It depicts a gathering of men in formal attire within an exclusive social club. The image is alive with cultural references and historical associations. In that time, social clubs were important institutions for the upper class, places to network, conduct business, and reinforce social hierarchies. Béraud provides a glimpse into a world of privilege and exclusivity, the figures in the painting, all men, are symbols of power and status in French society. Their top hats, tailored suits, and leisurely demeanor speak to their elevated social standing. Understanding this artwork requires an awareness of the history of social institutions in France during this period. In understanding the social and institutional contexts of the artwork better, we can reflect on how art both reflects and challenges the norms of its time.