Aantekening betreffende Jean-Etienne Liotard after 1782

This is a note regarding Jean-Étienne Liotard, by an anonymous artist, dating from September 27, 1782. The note is written in both French and Dutch. The French section contains correspondence with the painter Liotard’s son, in which the author states that they have decided to send two of Liotard's paintings of fruit to the Empress of Russia. The note offers us insight into the cultural dynamics of the late 18th century. Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia, was a major figure in the Enlightenment and a patron of the arts. This small note speaks to the network of artists, patrons, and artworks that shaped the cultural landscape of Europe. It also gestures towards the role of women in the art world, not only as subjects but as powerful figures who influenced artistic production and taste. The act of sending fruit paintings to an Empress can be viewed as a symbolic gesture, reflecting themes of nature, abundance, and the cultivation of knowledge and beauty. The Dutch text at the bottom translates to: ‘Her sending to the empress of Russia has not taken place’. This conveys the emotional layers of the artwork that reflect societal issues, and the emotional and personal dimensions of the piece.