Book 4, Fable 3: the opinion (L'Opinion) 1719

"Book 4, Fable 3: the opinion (L'Opinion)" is an etching by Nicolas Henry Tardieu, a prominent French engraver, dating back to 1719. The artwork, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, depicts a scene from Jean de la Fontaine's collection of fables. The scene features a woman holding a young child, possibly a baby, in her lap, while another figure, potentially a goddess, gestures towards them. The intricate detail and dramatic composition of the etching showcase Tardieu's mastery of the medium. This work is a testament to the power of visual storytelling through engravings and reflects the popular interest in fables and moral tales during the 18th century.