Gezicht op ziekenhuis in Greenwich 1736

Jacques Rigaud created this etching of the Greenwich Hospital in the 18th century. Its muted monochrome palette and sharp lines give a sense of depth and calm, yet the architectural precision evokes a complex interplay of power, order, and representation. Rigaud meticulously structures the composition, dividing the scene horizontally into sky, architecture, and water. The hospital's symmetrical facade is reflected in the river, creating a semiotic mirror that doubles the statement of authority. Ships and small boats add life to the scene, their placement carefully considered to balance the visual weight and guide the viewer’s eye. This image is not just a depiction; it's a constructed view, laden with cultural codes and values. The architectural style communicates Enlightenment ideals of reason and control, while the river symbolizes trade and connectivity. Rigaud's etching invites us to decode the layers of meaning embedded in its formal elements, revealing how art functions within broader discourses of power and progress.