Facetious Inventions of Love and War c. 17th century

Curator: This small etching is titled "Facetious Inventions of Love and War," by François Collignon. Editor: Oh my, he looks like a fluffy little pear, tooting his flute across the countryside! A rather bizarre little figure, wouldn't you say? Curator: The figure is a caricature, a popular form of social commentary. Notice the contrast between his delicate flute and the implied violence in the title. It suggests a critique of frivolous pursuits during times of conflict. Editor: It's such an odd juxtaposition. He’s prancing around, seemingly oblivious to the potential darkness implied by "war." It almost feels like a satire of the elite, lost in their own world. Curator: Exactly. Collignon uses this comedic, almost grotesque figure to highlight the absurdities and moral failings of those in power, and perhaps even society more broadly. Editor: Well, I think he's charmingly weird. Makes you think about the strange things people do, even when the world is burning! Curator: Indeed. It provides a unique perspective on love, war, and human folly.