Untitled: Two female nudes with two putti and doves

Art Historical Context

This lithograph presents two graceful female nudes accompanied by playful putti and doves, motifs long associated with classical themes of love, beauty, and harmony. The composition likely draws from mythological traditions, where doves symbolize Venus and putti represent cherubic attendants, creating an allegorical scene of sensuality and affection. Attributed “after Bellanger,” the print suggests it reproduces or interprets an earlier work, reflecting the common practice of disseminating admired designs through reproductive media. As a lithograph, the work showcases a technique prized in nineteenth-century France for its ability to capture soft modeling and fluid lines while enabling wider circulation among collectors. Measuring roughly 17 by 11 inches, the print balances delicate detail with an intimate scale suited to private appreciation. Now part of the Robert Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it offers visitors a glimpse into the enduring French fascination with classical imagery and the vital role of printmaking in preserving and sharing artistic ideas.