Enlightenment CultureAn 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)> PICTURING THE PASTANALYZE THE IMAGE: 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?
CONNECTIONS: What does this image suggest about the reach of Enlightenment ideas to common people? To women? Does the painting of the bookstore on page 503 suggest a broader reach? Why?