Frontispiece: The Dregs of Society (Las bas-fonds de la societe)

1864

Félicien Rops

Associated Names
Félicien Rops

Artist, Belgian, 1833 - 1898

This image features a central figure surrounded by various smaller scenes. The central image is of a large book or banner with the text "Bas-Fonds de la Société par Joseph Prud'homme Photographe à Paris," adorned with a jester or symbolic figure. Around this centerpiece, there are several smaller vignettes depicting a variety of scenes, including interactions among people. At the top, rays of light extend from a set of hands holding a glowing orb. The bottom center features a depiction of a seated figure with the word "Vérité" inscribed on a block beneath it. Each vignette varies in content, showing pairs of individuals engaged in conversation, intimate settings, or comical or allegorical scenes.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1946.11.185

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Exsteens 1928, no. 463, State iii/iii


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1928

  • Exsteens, Maurice. L'Oeuvre grave et lithographie de Felicien Rops. 4 vols. and appendix. Paris: Editions Pellet, 1928.

Wikidata ID

Q65072158

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