Entry by Iury Hepp: Molière reading Tartuffe at Ninon de Lenclos's (Molière lisant sa comédie du Tartuffe chez Ninon de Lenclos)

This painting, “Molière reading Tartuffe ar Ninon de Lenclos's” was painted by Nicolas André Monsiau in Paris in 1802. Monsiau depicts the french playwright Molière reading his well known comedic play, “Tartuffe, or The Hypocrite” at the famous salon of Ninon de Lenclos (French author, courtesan and patron of the arts) on 36 rue des Tournelles where she lived. During the French Baroque, art was meant to follow specific rules set by the academy and the catholic church. Most forms of art were required to follow religious themes that would inspire the viewer. Baroque emphasized drama, grandeur, movement, emotional exuberance, and intellect. Aside from Ninon de Lenclos, many other important intellectuals are depicted in the background, such as: Pierre and Thomas Corneille, Jean-Baptiste Lully, Racine, Jean de la Lafontaine, Nicolas Boileau, Chapelle, Baron, le grand Condé , La Bruyère, Pierre Mignard, La Rochefoucault, Maréchal de Vivone, Philippe Quinault, Saint Evremont and François Girardon.

Author: Iury Hepp