Summer 1731 - 1765

Louis Félix de La Rue created this ink on paper work called 'Summer'. It presents a rococo vision of childhood through allegorical figures of putti. During the 18th century, France was deeply shaped by its aristocratic elite and the philosophical shifts of the Enlightenment. This print reflects the era's fascination with idealized forms. The cherubic figures symbolize innocence and abundance which masks the social realities of the time. La Rue, positioning his figures in a pastoral setting, evokes a sense of carefree abandon. Yet, these images also served to reinforce notions of privilege and idealized beauty standards, accessible only to a select segment of society. While seemingly light-hearted, this imagery must be understood within a context of social inequality. The print invites us to consider how art reflects and shapes cultural values.