Le Suprême Bon Ton. Caricature Parisienne, 1800-1815, No. 17: Le baiser perfide. 1800 - 1815

Editor: This is "Le Suprême Bon Ton. Caricature Parisienne, 1800-1815, No. 17: Le baiser perfide," an etching from the Rijksmuseum. I'm immediately struck by how absurd the fashion is, these enormous hats and wigs getting in the way of intimacy. What do you make of this commentary? Curator: It's a pointed critique of the French aristocracy during a period of immense social upheaval. The exaggerated fashion isn’t merely aesthetic; it symbolizes the excesses and artificiality of a privileged class detached from the realities of everyday life. Consider the title, "The Treacherous Kiss" – it hints at the moral decay and deceptive nature of these elites. Editor: Treacherous! That adds another layer. But were these criticisms effective in bringing about change? Curator: Caricatures like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. They served as visual tools to dismantle the romanticized image of the aristocracy and expose their hypocrisy. Think about the broader context: the French Revolution was fueled by similar discontent. So, images such as this provided fuel for societal critique and the burgeoning middle class. It democratized dissent, don’t you think? Editor: Democratized dissent – I like that. So, beyond just poking fun at fashion, it's really about the struggle for power and shifting social norms. It seems that what people wore really could embody resistance. Curator: Precisely. By highlighting the ridiculousness of their attire, the artist effectively challenged the legitimacy of their authority. What we consider satire is deeply intertwined with the realities and injustices of 18th century Parisian life. Editor: I never thought of fashion as being so deeply political, but I can see how art becomes a vehicle for social change when you look at it this way. Curator: Exactly, and by analyzing these images we also confront systems of power and challenge these structures today. It is the role of the arts after all!