Le château de Kerjean 1777

Louis François Cassas made this drawing of the Château de Kerjean in ink and wash. During Cassas's lifetime, France was undergoing massive social and political upheaval, from monarchy to revolution and back again. This image captures the complex relationship between power, class, and the lived environment. Cassas’s choice to depict the Château, a symbol of aristocratic privilege, invites us to consider the socio-economic disparities of 18th-century France. The Château stands as a physical manifestation of power, while the figures in the foreground, possibly estate workers or local villagers, are dwarfed by the architecture. Is Cassas celebrating the opulence or critiquing its impact on the broader population? As you reflect on this image, consider how the Château embodies both architectural grandeur and the weight of social hierarchy. Think about how it felt for those living in its shadow.