Vier rijen friezen before 1716

Jean Lepautre created this print titled "Vier rijen friezen" using etching. The print, filled with ornate friezes, gives us a glimpse into the artistic and cultural values of the 17th century. The cherubs and mythological creatures speak to a society deeply immersed in classical and mythological narratives. Look closely, and you might notice the absence of adult female figures. This absence is indicative of the gender norms that prevailed, where the female form was often idealized yet constrained within specific roles. The detailed ornamentation reflects the opulence and grandeur favored by the elite. But think about the labor that went into producing such intricate designs, and who was excluded from the luxurious lifestyles they represent. Lepautre's work both embodies and perpetuates the power structures of his time, reminding us that art is never truly separate from the world in which it is created.