Schilderkunst en poëzie 1768 - 1771

Jean Charles Delafosse created this print titled "Schilderkunst en poëzie", or "Painting and Poetry," in the 18th century. It’s part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum. The image presents allegorical representations of painting and poetry, framed within decorative cartouches typical of the Neoclassical period. These motifs reflect the era's emphasis on order, reason, and the revival of classical art forms. Consider how the image creates meaning through visual codes: the artist uses established symbols to celebrate the arts, reinforcing their cultural value in French society. During the 1700’s, institutions like the Royal Academy played a crucial role in shaping artistic standards and tastes. Delafosse’s work reflects this institutional influence, but we can also think of how artists of the time questioned these establishments and how the politics of imagery either supports or disrupts these institutions. To delve deeper, consider researching the role of art academies in 18th-century France. Examining period texts and critical responses to Delafosse’s contemporaries might reveal the nuanced social dialogue this print engages in.