Rivierlandschap met tempel en visser 1613 - 1695

Nicolas Perelle created this etching of a river landscape with temple and fisherman sometime in the mid to late 17th century. The image presents an idealized view of nature, one in which classical architecture harmonizes with the natural world. Perelle was French, and this image reflects the period of Louis XIV, when the French monarchy sought to associate itself with the grandeur and authority of the Roman Empire. The placement of the temple, a symbol of civilization, within the landscape, suggests a desire to impose order on the natural world. The figure of the fisherman introduces another element of social context. In the 17th century, fishing was not just a leisure activity, but a means of sustenance for many. His presence reminds us of the working population that supported the aristocratic class who were patrons of the arts. To fully understand this work, we might consult historical records of French society, architectural treatises of the period, and studies of the art market to better grasp the social and institutional forces that shaped its creation.