Triomfboog met obelisk op het Place Dauphine te Parijs 1662

Curator: Looking at this print, I am struck by the density of ornamentation, but it still feels so light. Editor: I know what you mean! I'd say it feels celebratory, like a beautifully decorated cake, even though it's, you know, architecture. Curator: Indeed. The Rijksmuseum holds this engraving, entitled "Triomfboog met obelisk op het Place Dauphine te Parijs," dating back to 1662, created by Jean Lepautre. It showcases a triumphal arch designed as a temporary structure for public celebrations. It gives me a sense of what political messaging looked like during the Baroque era. Editor: Ah, yes, temporary! That's what gives it this airy feel, right? Knowing it wasn't meant to be permanent somehow lightens the weight of all that Baroque grandeur. It’s almost theatrical. I like how it frames the equestrian statue in the distance—like a stage set. Curator: The deliberate construction of imagery here is designed to amplify royal power. The inclusion of historical references through allegorical figures seeks to solidify Louis XIV’s legitimacy by creating links with past empires and solidifying a divine right narrative. Editor: It's interesting that this pen illustration adopts an “old engraving style.” To me, the detailed line work gives it this incredibly graphic quality, especially with all the shading and linework— almost like hyper-detailed cartoons! Curator: Considering the Place Dauphine's historical context provides key insights. Initially planned as a commercial hub, the square became increasingly associated with royal power through celebratory events such as the one documented in this print. Editor: It really makes you think about the relationship between art and power. And that, while power seeks permanence, art has this capacity to make it look ephemeral, almost dreamlike. Curator: A powerful reminder of the complex dialogue between art, history, and the ongoing negotiation of power structures in public spaces. Editor: Absolutely, and a visual feast! One that invites us to reflect on the stories we choose to tell and how we build the stages on which they unfold.