Arts and Agriculture, Pl. 69 — Nouvelle Iconologie Historique

A striking hand-coloured engraving pairing allegorical trophies of the Arts and Agriculture in Delafosse's signature Neoclassical mode.

Drawn and engraved by Jean-Charles Delafosse. Plate 69 from Nouvelle Iconologie Historique, published by Jean-François Daumont, Paris, c. 1770.

Delafosse was among the most prolific French ornamental designers of the late 18th century. The paired emblems of palette, lyre, sickle, and sheaf shown here reflect Enlightenment esteem for both the liberal arts and productive labour — a combination frequently invoked in public architecture, academy medals, and estate decoration of the period.

Hand-coloured copperplate engraving. Sheet approximately 46.2 × 34.3 cm. Very Good condition.