Gezicht op de tuinen en Tiberfontein van kasteel Fontainebleau 1631 - 1655

Israel Silvestre created this print of the gardens and Tiber fountain of the Château de Fontainebleau sometime between 1640 and 1690. Silvestre was a prolific draughtsman and printmaker, celebrated for his detailed and idealized depictions of French landscapes and architecture. This artwork is more than just a picturesque scene. It reflects the power dynamics of 17th-century France, where elaborate gardens like these were symbols of royal authority and control over nature. We see the aristocracy and their dogs enjoying the manicured gardens. Consider the social stratification embedded in this landscape. Who had access to such spaces, and who was excluded? What does it mean to construct an image of leisure and privilege during a time of social and economic inequality? Silvestre's print invites us to reflect on the ways in which landscapes can be both beautiful and politically charged. It captures a moment in time, but also speaks to the enduring themes of power, privilege, and representation.