Carts on a Path through the Woods after a painting in the collection of the Duc de Choiseul 1771

This print, "Carts on a Path through the Woods," reproduces a painting that once belonged to the Duc de Choiseul. While we don't know the original artist, this reproductive print offers insight into the collecting habits of the French aristocracy. Choiseul was a prominent figure in 18th-century France, serving as a minister under Louis XV. His art collection reflected his status and taste, but also the broader social and cultural values of the time. Landscape paintings, like the one depicted here, were becoming increasingly popular, reflecting a growing interest in nature and the countryside. What is interesting about this print is how it participates in a network of images and patronage. The “cabinet” was the private space where a collector such as the Duc de Choiseul would show off his acquisitions. Further research into Choiseul's life, his political career, and the art market of the time would shed light on the social context of this image and its meaning. After all, the meaning of art always relies on its context.