Paneel met konijnen in landschap

This print of rabbits in a landscape was made by Jacques Juillet, likely in France, sometime in the 1700s. The image presents us with a challenge: is this an innocent depiction of nature, or is there something more to it? To understand this, we must consider the print in the context of its time, and the institutions that shaped its production and reception. During the 18th century, decorative panels such as this one were popular among the French aristocracy. Often these panels would depict scenes of leisure and pastoral life. They were installed in private residences, which served as a way for the aristocracy to display their wealth and status. The rabbits, framed by delicate foliage, evoke a sense of idyllic harmony. However, the very act of framing nature within an ornate border speaks to the aristocratic desire to control and aestheticize the natural world. By studying similar works and delving into period documents, we can better grasp the complex interplay between art, power, and social identity in 18th-century France.