Iris Approaching Athena and Hera c. 1780

Attributed to Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée, this drawing was made with pen and brown ink and wash over graphite, likely sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The work depicts Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, approaching the goddesses Athena and Hera, who ride in a chariot. The image takes its inspiration from classical mythology, a common theme in the art of this period. The gods and goddesses, with their stories of power, love, and betrayal, offered artists a rich source of subject matter. But what does it mean to revive classical imagery in 18th century France? The answer lies in the cultural and institutional setting. Academies of art controlled taste, and Greek and Roman subject matter signaled an artist's education and sophistication. By drawing on this artistic tradition, artists like Lagrenée were able to connect with a cultural heritage, and signal their adherence to established artistic norms. To gain a deeper understanding of this work, we can consult historical texts, mythological dictionaries, and exhibition records. This type of research brings the world of the artist closer to us. It reminds us that art always reflects the values and beliefs of a specific time and place.