Panel 1771 - 1781

This relief panel by French sculptor Philippe Laurent Roland depicts two eagles flanking a circular medallion featuring a female figure standing on a pedestal. The central medallion is framed by flowing ribbons, while the eagles are positioned within a garland of fruits and foliage. Created between 1771 and 1781, this Neoclassical work showcases Roland's mastery of three-dimensional form and meticulous attention to detail. The eagles, with their powerful stances and meticulously rendered feathers, convey a sense of strength and authority, while the female figure, likely representing Liberty or a goddess, embodies the ideals of the Enlightenment. The panel, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a compelling example of late 18th-century French decorative art, emphasizing themes of national pride and classical inspiration.