Jean de la Fontaine c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Étienne Ficquet's portrait of Jean de la Fontaine, at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by the detail in the engraving and wonder about the imagery below the portrait. What stands out to you? Curator: Note how the portrait is framed within architectural elements. This elevates la Fontaine, positioning him within a tradition of learning and artistry. Observe also the panel below. It appears to depict animals, perhaps illustrating one of his fables. What could that signify about his legacy? Editor: That’s fascinating. So the animal scene isn't just decorative, but a key to understanding his cultural impact. I never would have noticed that! Curator: Exactly. It reminds us that images act as cultural touchstones, carrying stories across generations.