Lalage 1694 - 1725

This engraving, whose author and date are unknown, presents a woman named Lalage from Ovid's "Amores." Lalage, whose name means "talkative," was a character admired for her beauty, grace, and charm. Let's consider how this image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references. The setting – a classical garden with a fountain and distant mountains – speaks to the enduring appeal of antiquity in European art. The text below the image reinforces this connection by referencing Ovid. The woman's dress, with its striped pattern and full skirt, suggests a specific historical period, possibly the 18th century. She holds a mask, a symbol often associated with theatre, disguise, and the complexities of social interaction. Understanding the social conditions that shaped this work requires further investigation into the printmaking industry, the classical tradition, and the role of women in art and society. Detailed study of fashion and social history could reveal more about this image.