Siecle Des Lumieres Collection
The "siècle des lumières, " also known as the Age of Enlightenment, was a period in history characterized by intellectual and cultural advancements
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The "siècle des lumières, " also known as the Age of Enlightenment, was a period in history characterized by intellectual and cultural advancements. This era saw the rise of great thinkers and writers who challenged traditional beliefs and advocated for reason, science, and human rights. One notable figure from this time is Denis Diderot, whose portrait painted in 1767 captures his intellectual prowess. As a French writer and philosopher, he played a crucial role in the development of the Encyclopédie, an ambitious project that aimed to compile knowledge from various fields. Another influential writer during this period was Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais. His chromo portrays him as an embodiment of literature's power to challenge societal norms. Charles de Montesquieu's oil on canvas portrait reminds us of his significant contributions to political philosophy. He famously explored the concept of separation of powers which greatly influenced modern democratic systems. Voltaire's colored engraving depicts him imprisoned in the Bastille while writing La Henriade. Despite facing adversity, Voltaire used his writings to criticize religious intolerance and advocate for freedom of speech. "The Moralist, " a hand-colored stipple engraving from 1787, reflects society's growing interest in moral values during this period. It showcases how literature became a medium through which ethical principles were discussed and disseminated. A literary soiree captured in a color lithograph from 1890 transports us back to one such gathering where intellectuals gathered to exchange ideas freely without fear or censorship. Madame Marie Therese Rodet Geoffrin's red chalk portrait highlights her significance as one of Paris' leading salonnières during this era. Her salons provided spaces for intellectuals like Diderot and d'Alembert to engage in lively discussions about art, politics, and philosophy. Voltaire seated next to King Frederick II at Chateau de Sans Souci symbolizes their friendship despite their differing political views.