The royal caravan, a reflection about exotism and satire

Stunning drawing attributed to one of the master of french painting of the 18th century, Jean-Baptiste Le Prince(1734 - 1781), François Boucher student. 

A virtuoso who mastered as the portait as the landscapes painting and pastoral subjects.

In 1757 he painted at the Imperial palace in Saint Petersbug and traveled in Russia to Siberia where from he was drawing his best studies.

Here in this complex scene we get a fabulous sample of his several talents and style.

Beyond a protean exoticism (chinese hats, eastern turbans, asiatic elephant but european dog and french manner of the two royal lovers upon the elephant) was hidden a subtle critism about The Court. 

By the end, behind smiles we guess grins.

Behind thoughtlessness and beauty the soft satire as the desire of an uprising.

An extraordinary drawing. 

To read, this excellent biography about Le Prince by The J. Paul Getty Museum.