Zicht op de Colonne Vendôme c. 1860

Charles Fichot’s print offers two studies of the Colonne Vendôme in Paris. The sepia tones and meticulous lines render the scenes with a certain formality and precision, inviting us to consider how the artist has structured our view. The arrangement of the prints, one above the other, encourages a comparative reading. In the upper image, the colonnade frames the column, creating a symmetrical composition that stabilizes the monument within its urban context. The lower image offers a wider view, destabilizing the monument, emphasizing its height and its dominance over the square. This shift in perspective alters our relationship to the monument, inviting reflection on the nature of public space and historical narrative. These contrasting viewpoints suggest that how we view monuments shapes our understanding of their cultural significance. The formal structure of each print serves as a framework through which we interpret the values and meanings embedded in this iconic Parisian landmark.