Gezicht op de Tour de Nesle en het Louvre 1655

This is Matthäus Merian the Younger’s, “View of the Tour de Nesle and the Louvre,” an engraving with etching, dating back to the mid-17th century. In the 17th century, artists like Merian played a crucial role in shaping Europe’s collective imagination. His detailed cityscapes weren't mere representations; they were powerful tools in constructing and disseminating knowledge about different places and cultures. Looking at this piece, it is impossible to ignore the ways in which power is visually represented. Note the positioning of the Louvre; its grand façade hinting at the political might of the French monarchy. Meanwhile, the now-demolished Tour de Nesle, with its storied past, suggests tales of scandal and intrigue. These buildings do more than fill the skyline; they tell stories of those in power, and those who were not. How does an image like this help spread political messages? Consider how this image might have shaped perceptions of Paris for those who had never visited. It's a potent reminder of how images can shape our understanding of the world, then, and now.