Twee panelen met moderne grotesken c. 1866 - 1900

These two panels with modern grotesques were made as engravings by C. Normand, and showcase a revival of classical motifs and decorative styles. The imagery draws heavily from ancient Roman art, reflecting a broader cultural interest in antiquity. Grotesques, which blend human, animal, and plant forms, were popularized during the Renaissance after the rediscovery of Nero’s Domus Aurea. The scenes depicted in the panels, along with the architectural framework, evoke the classical world. Made in a context of renewed interest in order and reason, the social structure in France at the time encouraged the study of Greek and Roman cultures and this can be seen in the art of the time. To fully understand these panels, one might look to period pattern books and architectural treatises. These resources would provide insight into the intended use of such designs, reflecting the tastes and values of the time. Only by looking to the social and institutional context can we hope to fully understand art of this kind.