Gezicht op de Observatoire te Parijs, 1726 1726

This print by Aldert Meyer, made in 1726, gives us a bird’s-eye view of the Paris Observatory. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Observatory was an emblem of France’s burgeoning scientific ambitions under royal patronage. The image's detailed rendering of the building and its surroundings creates a sense of order and control, mirroring the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason. We should note that the observatory was founded by Louis XIV. By the early 18th century, astronomy had emerged as a field of inquiry, promising both practical advantages in navigation and theoretical insights into the order of the cosmos. To understand this work, historians consult a range of resources, from architectural plans to scientific treatises. Through this research, we appreciate how art reflects the values of its time and contributes to the broader narrative of human progress.