Gezicht op het huis van mijnheer de Bretonvillier 1658

Israel Silvestre made this print of the Bretonvillier house and the Île Notre-Dame in 1658. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the urban landscape and social hierarchies of 17th-century Paris. The image presents the Bretonvillier house as a prominent architectural feature set on an island. By drawing attention to its scale and design, Silvestre highlights the wealth and status of its owner. The many boats navigating the Seine speak to Paris as a center of commerce and transportation. Notre-Dame Cathedral appears in the background, reminding viewers of the dominant role of the Catholic Church in French society. We can ask: How did the architecture of private residences reflect social class and power? What role did the Seine play in the economic life of Paris? How did religious institutions shape the cultural landscape of the city? By exploring these questions through historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social and institutional context in which this print was made.