Man, adelaar en leeuw tussen bladranken c. 1670 - 1690

Alexis Loir created this print of a man, eagle, and lion among foliage in the late 17th century. It showcases the period’s fascination with classical motifs, filtered through the lens of the French Baroque. The image is filled with visual codes reflecting the social and cultural values of the time. Note the idealized human form and the inclusion of powerful animals, all entwined with meticulously detailed foliage. This composition speaks to the era's emphasis on order, control, and the harmonious balance between humanity and nature. France, under the reign of Louis XIV, saw the arts as a tool for projecting power and prestige, and the Royal Academy played a central role in standardizing artistic taste. To fully understand this print, we can consult period treatises on art and architecture and examine the patronage networks that shaped artistic production. Through this deeper historical research, we see art not just as a reflection of individual talent but as a product of its time.