Putti at War n.d.

This etching, "Putti at War," by Jacques Philippe Le Bas is a dynamic and humorous depiction of cherubic figures engaging in military activities. The scene is set against a backdrop of military paraphernalia, including swords, helmets, and a banner, emphasizing the playful contrast between the angelic figures and the martial elements. The cherubs are shown playfully manipulating these objects, reflecting a common theme in 18th-century art that used cherubs to represent innocent and playful aspects of life. Le Bas's expert use of etching, a process that involves using acid to create lines on a metal plate, results in a detailed and expressive image. This print, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the Rococo era’s fascination with the playful and the fantastical.