The prints reproduce six allegorical representations of arts and sciences after the series of thirteen paintings made by Jacques de Lajoüe for the Parisian cabinet de curiosité of Michel-Ferdinand d'Ailly, duke of Picquigny between 1735 and 1737. The modest dimensions of the paintings (0.48 x 0.62 cm.) suggest that they were probably meant to be inserted into the boiserie panels decorating the room. The first series of engravings published in 1737 were executed by Cochin in reverse, and had an oval shape with jigsaw contours, as did the original paintings. The six prints in this collection are part of a different state, also in reverse but of rectangular shape, in which the rounded corners were filled in with a continuation of the design in the corresponding surroundings, presumably with the cooperation of Lajoue. The prints in this set represent L'Histoire, La Sculpture, La Géographie, La Peinture, La Musique and La Marine. Each caption title includes the following information: "Tiré du Cabinet de Monseigneur le Duc de PICQUIGNY//se vend à Paris chez la Veuve de F. Chereau graveur du Roy rue St. Jacques aux deux Piliers d'Or." The address of the widow Chereau appears on all the known prints belonging to the rectangular state, presumably printed between 1741 and 1744. They are all signed in the plate on the left: "Inventé et paint par J. La Joüe," and on the right by the engravers: History and Sculpture by Cochin the elder, Geography by John Ingram (who came to Paris in 1741), and the other three by Nicolas Tardieu.
