Drie mannen op straat bij nacht (kleine variant) 1718

This engraving, "Three Men on the Street at Night," was created by Bernard Picart, a Frenchman working in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Picart was a master of his craft, known for detailed etchings that captured the nuances of social life during the Enlightenment. This image, with its stark contrasts and shadowy figures, pulls us into a nocturnal world, and was made as an illustration to Nicolas Boileau’s satirical poem, “Le Lutrin.” The poem comically recounts a petty dispute among clergy over the placement of a lectern. Here, we see the characters plotting under the cover of darkness, their expressions obscured, their intentions unclear. The clothing and accessories denote class and status. These men are not merely characters in a poem; they are embodiments of power and privilege, navigating a society deeply structured by hierarchy. The setting—a darkened street—hints at the clandestine nature of their activities. Picart’s engraving doesn't just illustrate a poem; it invites us to reflect on the ways in which power, class, and secrecy intertwine in the human experience.