The Ascension of the Bourgeoisie / The Bourgeois Gentleman

“Education led to the progress of the bourgeoisie.”

The bourgeois gentleman or middle-class aristocrat is the central figure in Le Bourgeois gentilhomme, the famous Moliere comedy from 1670. The play satirises attempts at social-climbing and pokes fun at the bourgeois personality; at the vulgar, pretentious middle class and their vanity, and at the snobbish aristocracy. But it is artistic hyperbole, for the townspeople tried to ensure the highest level of education because it guaranteed a successful career and thus family security. Not least, it also brought personal prestige. Centres of learning and wisdom were seen as important venues for the sustenance of urban life.

NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Anna Maria Victoria Jabornigg-GamseneckThird quarter of the 18th century; about 1770Gallery of Fine Arts, Osijek
Osijek, Slavonia, Croatia
The noble woman, presented holding compasses in one hand, sits in front of sheets of drawing paper, a ruler and a protractor. At the time, geometry was considered a form of entertainment for amateurs and a part of what constituted a good education.
The Laboratories of the Istituto delle Scienze of BolognaNovember/December 1739Archivio di Stato
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Wisdom was an important part of the city's self-presentation.
Palazzo Poggi's Observatory1712–1725Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, ItalyThe Observatory was created as part of the public Institute of Sciences and Arts.
Biblioteca Joanina da Universidade de Coimbra1728Parish of Sé Nova, Coimbra, Coimbra, PortugalThe University of Coimbra library, dedicated to King João, is an important example of civil Baroque architecture.
NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Large reading tables1724Interior, Biblioteca Joanina da Universidade de Coimbra Parish of Sé Nova, Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Detail of ceiling painting 1723Interior, Biblioteca Joanina da Universidade de Coimbra
Middle room balcony railings 1724Interior, Biblioteca Joanina da Universidade de Coimbra
Portrait of Domenico Scarlattic. 1738–1739Patudos House, Alpiarça Museum
Alpiarça, Santarém, Portugal
The bourgeois music master of the king's court is dressed in a ceremonial court vestment, adorned with the prestigious Order.
Portrait of Historian, Márton György Kovachich1782Museum of Fine Arts
Budapest, Közép-Magyarország / Central Hungary, Hungary
The historian, custodian of the university library and an eminent scholar, commissioned the portrait directly from the artist.