Man and Woman Stepping into a Carriage c. 18th century

Editor: So, this engraving is called "Man and Woman Stepping into a Carriage" by Philibert Benoit de Larue. The whole scene has a satirical feel to it. What's your read on this piece? Curator: It’s like a little stage, isn’t it? De Larue uses such fine lines to give us not just figures, but almost little characters. That winged figure looming above with its banner—it's as if morality itself is making a wry comment on the whole charade. Do you see it too? Editor: I do! The angel definitely adds an element of judgement. I suppose I was so focused on the detail of the carriage and figures that I missed the bigger picture. Curator: Exactly! It's a story etched in miniature, urging us to look closer at the theater of life. Editor: I'll be sure to keep my eyes peeled for those kinds of satirical details in the future.