Twee kussende putti boven een grot 1758

Noël Le Mire created this print of two kissing putti above a cave sometime in the 18th century. Le Mire was a prominent printmaker in France during a period when the institutions of art, like the Royal Academy, played a central role in shaping artistic taste and production. Here, Le Mire adopts a playful Rococo style, popular among the French aristocracy at the time. The image presents an idealized vision of childhood innocence and cherubic affection. The putti, or cherubs, were common motifs in art, often used to represent love or divine presence. These symbols aligned with the values of the French court, which emphasized elegance and pleasure. To fully appreciate this work, we can explore the prints and engravings that circulated in 18th-century France. This gives us insight into the period’s social and political climate. Understanding the environment in which Le Mire created this print helps us interpret the role of art in reflecting and shaping cultural values.