Ground Plan for the Hotel de la Rochefoucauld Doudeauville and its Garden, Paris 1755 - 1808

Jean Jacques Huvé drafted this ground plan for the Hôtel de la Rochefoucauld Doudeauville and its garden in Paris, using pen, black ink, and watercolor. This architectural drawing reflects the rigid social hierarchies of 18th-century France, revealing much about the lives of the aristocracy. Envision the lavish parties and exclusive gatherings held within these walls; spaces designed to impress and reinforce social status. The symmetrical layout and manicured gardens illustrate a desire for control and order, mirroring the era’s emphasis on reason. Consider, too, what is not shown: where did the servants who maintained this estate live and work? The plan embodies privilege and prompts us to consider who had access to such beauty, and who was excluded. This blueprint is a stark reminder of the inequalities that fueled the French Revolution. How does viewing this plan make you reflect on the relationship between space, power, and social identity?