Ornamenteel paneel in lijst c. 1650 - 1666

Jean Lepautre created this ornamental panel sometime in the 17th century. Lepautre worked during the reign of Louis XIV, a period defined by the rise of absolutist power and the flourishing of the Baroque. In this panel, we see a man and two women arranged in a scene of idyllic abundance, surrounded by lush foliage. In the context of the 17th century, these figures evoke the classical ideal, and the emphasis on ornamentation reflects the Baroque aesthetic of the period. Yet, these depictions were often reserved for the upper classes. During Louis XIV's reign, wealth and status were emphasized through visual displays, and the ornamental panel would have acted as a signifier of taste and affluence. Consider this image as a mirror reflecting the values and social hierarchies of the time. How do you feel when viewing this expression of power and abundance?