Allegory of the Dauphin's Convalescence (Allegorie sur la convalescence du Dauphin)
1752
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1752
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a busy scene with lots of people and symbols. In the center, a man in a long robe holds a book while standing near a sickly figure on a couch. Around them, clouds, flowers, and a winged figure hover. At the bottom, a lion and a unicorn stand side by side. The text below explains this is about a prince’s recovery, using old-style writing. The artist packed details like a book of names and a zodiac sign into the scene. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made sharp prints.