Gezicht op de Bastille 1652

"Gezicht op de Bastille" (View of the Bastille) is an etching by Dutch artist Israel Silvestre (1621-1691) from 1652. The detailed drawing captures a panoramic view of the Bastille, a medieval fortress in Paris. Silvestre, a master of architectural perspective, depicted the imposing structure with remarkable accuracy, capturing its grand scale and intricate details. This small-scale print (97mm x 162mm), now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a fascinating glimpse into Parisian architecture in the 17th century and exemplifies Silvestre’s skill in landscape and architectural drawing.