The Pledge of Love 1786

"The Pledge of Love," an etching created by Jean Mathieu in 1786, depicts a romantic scene. The image is dominated by a couple, their figures prominent in the foreground. The couple is set against a backdrop of lush foliage, with the man holding a scroll or a book in his right hand, perhaps signifying a promise or a declaration of love. The scene is presented in an oval frame, highlighting the intimacy of the moment. The engraving’s fine lines and intricate details contribute to its delicate and sentimental tone, characteristics of the Rococo style popular in 18th-century Europe.