Titelblad: Desseins d'éventails et écrans 1765

Nicolas Pierre Loir created this print, "Titelblad: Desseins d'éventails et écrans," a title page for fan and screen designs, sometime in the 17th century. In a society deeply stratified by class and gender, such designs were destined for the hands of the aristocracy. Fans and screens, beyond their practical use, functioned as potent symbols of status and femininity. Look at how Loir employs classical motifs and idealized figures, reinforcing the aesthetic values and social hierarchies of the time. The cherubic figures and ornate detailing speak to a culture of refinement and luxury, all while hinting at the underlying power dynamics inherent in the patronage system. In creating designs that served a privileged class, Loir's work also offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between art, commerce, and social identity in 17th-century France. The print invites us to reflect on the emotional weight of objects, and how even the most decorative items can carry profound cultural meaning.