The Wolf and the Lamb (La Fontaine fable) 1800 - 1815

Jean-Baptiste Huet I designed this artwork of toile in the late 18th century, depicting a scene from "The Wolf and the Lamb". Notice how the dark maroon contrasts with the off-white background, creating an almost dizzying visual effect. Huet repeats a series of motifs, each framed and spaced by a delicate lattice. Classical figures, urns, flags and heraldic emblems are interspersed with depictions of the fable. The pattern creates a push and pull that challenges the eye. The formal regularity of the design reflects the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order. But this regularity is subverted by the dark subject matter. The fable itself critiques power dynamics and injustice, suggesting a deeper engagement with the social and philosophical issues of the time. This interplay between form and content invites us to reflect on how aesthetic choices can both reflect and challenge prevailing ideas.