Guagong as the First Emperor of China, Bernard Picart (workshop of), after Bernard Picart, 1726
etching, h 334mm × w 222mm More details
A defining trait of the Enlightenment is the urge to classify and systematize knowledge. This print is part of an encyclopedia detailing world religions. The illustrations feature the gods Guagong and Guanyin, here portrayed as emperors and colossal idols. There are also motifs that evoke Christianity, including the Madonna and Child.
