Grafmonument met putto en mogelijk de initialen van Louis Metayer before 1833

Jean Bernard created this print of a funerary monument, with etching, at an unknown date. The monument is topped by a putto, a cherubic figure common in memorial art, and bears the initials of Louis Metayer. This print exists within a larger cultural context of memorial art in 18th-century Europe. During this period, artistic patronage often came from wealthy individuals or institutions like the church, which influenced the subjects and styles of art. Memorial art served a public function, reinforcing social hierarchies and commemorating individuals of status. The inclusion of a putto and classical architectural elements speaks to the enduring influence of classical antiquity on European art and culture. To understand this print fully, one might research the Metayer family, their social standing, and the artistic conventions of funerary art in 18th-century France. The Rijksmuseum's records, along with genealogical databases, and period journals, would offer valuable insights. This kind of contextual information helps us understand how art reflects and reinforces the values of its time.