Painted canvas, The Bird in a Cage, also known as The Loves of the Hedgerow – Lancret, 18th century
It depicts a pastoral scene with a couple accompanied by a dog at their feet, a symbol of fidelity, and a cage with a bird, evoking the confinement of emotions. On the other side, a shepherdess embodies freedom and lightness, creating a poetic and refined contrast typical of the art of this period.
Lancret, one of the most celebrated Rococo painters of the early 18th century, produced fêtes galantes and conversation pieces in a style close to that of Jean-Antoine Watteau. Like his English contemporary, Hogarth, Lancret’s reputation was enhanced by popular hand-colored engravings made after his paintings.
France
18th century
Height: 250 cm
Width: 160 cm
