Sculpture 1731 - 1765

This print, "Sculpture," was created by Louis Félix de La Rue, sometime in the 18th century. It uses etching on paper to explore classical sculpture, and it draws us into a world of cherubic figures amidst clouds. Notice the composition: it invites the eye to wander through a softly rendered tableau of putti who are floating on cumulus clouds and surrounded by the tools and products of sculpture. The cherubs act as allegorical figures. One holds a statuette, another sketches, while a third reclines against a sculpted head, embodying the art form through their playful actions. La Rue masterfully uses line and shadow to give depth and texture, particularly in the clouds and the soft, round forms of the figures. These visual elements construct an idealized vision of artistic practice, imbued with a light, airy quality that speaks to the period’s aesthetic values. This print is not merely a depiction but also a commentary on art.