Three Cupids with Military Trophies 1731 - 1765

Louis Félix de La Rue made this print, Three Cupids with Military Trophies, in France, sometime in the mid-18th century. It presents an intriguing take on warfare through the lens of cherubic innocence. The image uses classical motifs like putti and military trophies. The cupids, symbols of love, are juxtaposed with objects of war. This blending of love and war invites a deeper reading into the values of 18th-century French society, particularly during the reign of Louis XV. Were these images made for elite institutions? Were they meant to glorify martial prowess? We can consider the cultural and political climate of the time. France was often engaged in conflicts and military strength was a key component of national identity. The print’s existence raises questions about the relationship between art, power, and the construction of national identity. Art history provides the means to delve into these questions, using primary sources, archival documents, and critical texts to illuminate the social contexts that shaped artistic production.