Maria 1732 - 1776

Gilles Demarteau created this print of Maria. This image points to the increasing circulation of artworks through reproductive prints in 18th-century France. Here, Demarteau reproduces an image of the Virgin by an earlier Italian Renaissance artist, Raphael. Note the inscription indicating that this image of the Virgin was once part of the collection of the Duke of Orleans. The Orleans collection was one of the most important private art collections in France. During the French Revolution, the collection was sold off with many paintings going to London. The print by Demarteau helps us understand the role of collections in shaping the art market. To understand the significance of this image, scholars investigate the provenance and history of collections, sale catalogues, and other records. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.