Twee panelen met kariatide en kandelaber 1650 - 1703

These two panels with caryatid and candelabra were created by Paul Androuet Ducerceau in the 17th century. During this time, France was experiencing a cultural and artistic flourishing, marked by Baroque and classical influences. The prints offer insight into the era’s perception of femininity and its link to decoration and the ornamental. In one panel, a female figure is depicted carrying a decorative oval frame above her head. This caryatid embodies an idealized version of womanhood: elegant, poised, and strong, bearing the weight of artistic expression. The panel on the right presents a candelabra design featuring a winged cupid, another gendered symbol associated with love, beauty, and decoration. These images reflect the period’s complex relationship with gender and aesthetics. They offer a glimpse into how societal values were embedded in art and design, shaping identities and cultural norms.