Groep jonge mensen speelt een spel bij een fontein c. 1740

Nicolas de Larmessin III created this print depicting a group of young people playing a game near a fountain in the 18th century. This scene is set against the backdrop of the French Régence, a period characterized by both the extravagance of the aristocracy and the philosophical shifts of the early Enlightenment. The playful interactions among the figures invite us to consider the dynamics of courtship and social interaction within the upper classes of the era. The game depicted is a 'jeu de pied de beuf', in which a blindfolded player attempts to grab the foot of another player. There are underlying themes of desire, capture, and the ambiguous line between playful pursuit and potential exposure. The pursuit of love is likened to a game, which can be seen as the blindness of love, the attachment, and the fear of being caught. The artwork presents a snapshot of societal rituals, offering a glimpse into the past while subtly questioning the constructs of love, pleasure, and shame. The image invites us to explore the emotional and social complexities embedded in the pursuit of connection, highlighting the delicate balance between desire and vulnerability.