The Iron Age (L'Age de fer) 1645 - 1727

Nicolas Arnoult created this etching called 'The Iron Age' sometime around the late 17th century. This image presents an allegorical scene. The contrast between the elegant ladies and the discarded weapons suggests a commentary on the nature of war and its impact on society. The scene is set during the reign of Louis XIV, a time of great military expansion for France. The figures are dressed in the height of French fashion, reflecting the cultural dominance of France at the time. The imagery is likely intended to promote a particular view of French power and civilization, softening the reality of military conflict through its aesthetic presentation. Arnoult was one of a group of artists attached to the court of Louis XIV. His work frequently shows the influence of institutions such as the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. The image shows the power of art to shape public perception. Researching period fashion, French history, and the career of Arnoult, one can more fully understand the complex social and political context of the work. Art's meaning is contingent upon social and institutional context.