La Déclaration d'amour 1779

This print titled 'La Déclaration d'amour' was made in Paris in 1779. It depicts a scene of courtship, with a man kneeling before a woman. The image provides a glimpse into the social rituals and gender dynamics of 18th-century France. The woman's elaborate attire and the man's kneeling posture reflect the rigid social hierarchy and the importance of appearances in that era. Is the artist commenting on the social structures of their time? Perhaps they are making light of the sometimes absurd rituals of courtship amongst the upper classes. Is the image self-consciously conservative or progressive? The print was made during the Enlightenment, a period marked by intellectual and social upheaval. To understand the work, one must investigate the cultural and economic forces that shaped its production, including the art market and the role of prints in disseminating ideas. As historians, we can consult period sources such as etiquette manuals, fashion plates, and satirical prints to gain a deeper understanding of the social context in which this image was created and consumed.