Various Landscapes Engraved by Mr. de la Ferté Intendant of the Light Entertainments of the King 1758

Editor: This is the cover for "Various Landscapes Engraved by Mr. de la Ferté, Intendant of the Light Entertainments of the King." The author is Denis-Pierre-Jean Papillon de la Ferté. It's a rather unassuming cover. How do you interpret its significance? Curator: As Intendant of the King's entertainments, de la Ferté was a prominent figure. This cover, while seemingly simple, speaks volumes about the cultural value placed on leisure and landscape during the period. Does the marbled texture evoke anything for you? Editor: It makes me think of something well-used and loved. Curator: Precisely. It highlights how even seemingly decorative arts were deeply intertwined with socio-political power and the dissemination of cultural ideals. De la Ferté controlled royal amusements, and this book cover is a subtle piece of that machinery. Editor: I hadn't considered the connection to his position. I see the cover in a new light now. Curator: Indeed, it encourages us to think about how power is presented even in art we might see as mundane.