Jérôme de La Lande 1767 - 1768

Jean-Honoré Fragonard captured Jérôme de La Lande, the esteemed astronomer, in oil on canvas, presenting him in a moment of contemplation with a globe. The sphere, a potent symbol, is more than a mere scientific instrument. It echoes the ancient orb of kingship, a symbol of dominion over the world. We see echoes of this in classical portrayals of emperors holding globes, emblems of their earthly power. Yet, here, the globe is embraced by a scholar, suggesting not power over the earth, but a profound engagement with the cosmos. Consider how the simple form of the sphere persists through time, from Ptolemy's geocentric model to our modern understanding of astrophysics, each age imbuing it with new layers of meaning. This act of holding the world, of contemplating its mysteries, resonates deeply within us. It awakens a primeval curiosity and invites us to partake in humanity’s unending quest for knowledge.