Fire 1731 - 1765

Louis Félix de La Rue made this print called 'Fire' sometime in the mid-18th century. It depicts three cherubic infants huddled around a small blaze, one carefully feeding it with sticks. The image draws on a long tradition of allegorical representation, popular in France at this time. Fire, here evoked by playful children rather than a destructive force, could stand for warmth, passion, or even divine light. This was a period when the institutions of the monarchy and the church still held significant sway over artistic expression. However, the playful sensuality and relative informality of the scene also point towards the growing influence of Enlightenment ideas, and a move towards more personal, secular subjects. Art historians can delve into period texts, such as emblem books and philosophical treatises, to better understand the layered meanings that would have been apparent to contemporary viewers. Examining this print through its social and intellectual contexts allows us to appreciate its place in a shifting cultural landscape.