Printed Page 523-0(cont.)
A History of Western Society: Printed Page 523
PRIMARY SOURCE 16.4
Enlightenment Culture
An actor performs the first reading of a new play by Voltaire at the salon of Madame Geoffrin. Voltaire, then in exile, is represented by a bust statue.
(Académie des Sciences, Belles-Lettres, Rouen, France/Giraudon/The Bridgeman Art Library)
EVALUATE THE EVIDENCE
Question
Which of these people do you think is the hostess, Madame Geoffrin, and why? Using details from the painting to support your answer, how would you describe the status of the people shown?
Question
What does this image suggest about the reach of Enlightenment ideas to common people? To women? Does the painting of the bookstore suggest a broader reach? Why?