Landscape, from a series of six landscapes dedicated to Madame La Marquise de Pompadour 1720 - 1762

This is Quentin Pierre Chedel's "Landscape," an engraving from a series dedicated to Madame de Pompadour. It was created sometime in the mid-18th century. Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV, was a powerful figure, embodying the intersection of femininity, influence, and artistry in the Rococo period. These landscapes offer a glimpse into the cultural values of the French aristocracy. The image presents an idyllic scene of leisure, with figures hunting and relaxing in a carefully curated natural environment. But what does it mean to present nature as a site of aristocratic pleasure, when access to land and resources was deeply unequal? Consider the labor and social hierarchies that underpin this seemingly innocent scene. It reflects not just a love of nature, but also the power dynamics inherent in its ownership and representation. These landscapes invite us to reflect on the complex relationship between art, power, and social identity in 18th-century France.