Panel 1745 - 1755

This panel was made in France by Jacques de Lajoüe sometime in the early 18th century. The artist has used wood in different shades to create an elaborate scene, framed within a decorative border. The image is of a formal garden, complete with classical architecture, statuary, and elegantly dressed figures. It presents a vision of aristocratic leisure and refinement, but also speaks to the social and economic structures of its time. During this period in France, the court of Louis XIV established a rigid hierarchy of taste and artistic patronage. Artists like Lajoüe catered to the desires of the elite, creating images that reinforced their power and status. These images often reinforced the social hierarchy, helping to shape the cultural landscape of the time. To fully understand the artwork, research into the history of the French court, the decorative arts, and the social context in which it was made is required. By looking at the historical sources, we can develop our understanding of the complex relationship between art and society.