Figure (recto and verso), from Premier livre de figures d’Academies gravées en Partie par les Professeurs de l’ Académie Royale Possibly 1737

This etching by Gabriel Huquier, titled "Figure (recto and verso), from Premier livre de figures d’Academies gravées en Partie par les Professeurs de l’ Académie Royale", dates to possibly 1737. The artwork depicts two figures, likely allegorical representations, flanking a central pedestal engraved with text dedicated to the French nobleman Antoine de Chabanes. The detailed engraving style and inclusion of a dedication to a specific individual suggest a commission or publication intended for a limited audience, likely upper-class collectors or members of the French Academy. The image showcases the mastery of line and detail that characterized etching techniques in the 18th century, with the use of light and shade to create a sense of depth and realism. The figures, adorned with elaborate drapery, embody the formal and elegant aesthetic of the period, aligning with the neoclassical artistic trends of the time.