H. Fragonard "Le Chiffre D'Amour" Engraving late 18th century

Very beautiful engraving of the 18th century entitled "the number of love" engraved by n. De launay after a painting by h. Fragonard. This charming engraving depicts madame la vicomtesse de polastron engraving initials in the bark of a tree accompanied by a dog. Louise de polastron, born in 1764 and died in 1799, nicknamed "the good louise" by marie-antoinette, was the lady of the queen's palace and the famous mistress of the count of artois, last brother of king louis 16. This engraving was made by nicolas de launay (1739-1792), engraver of the king. From his youth, his talent is perceived and he extends his art to all genres: history, portrait, landscape, vignette. He is known for having taken over many great masters such as weenix, aubry, rubens or fragonard. Jean-honoré nicolas fragonard (1732-1806), great master of french painting, is the painter from whom this engraving is taken. At a very young age, he was apprenticed to françois boucher at only 14 years old and developed his talents there. He then spent three years at the royal school for protected students. He worked at the louvre palace, where he resided, and was then commissioned to decorate the appolon gallery, itself located in the louvre. Beautiful frame baguette with gold leaf.