Portiek met dubbele Toscaanse pilasters c. 1670 - 1680

This print of a portal with double Tuscan pilasters was made by Jean Lepautre in France during the 17th century. Architectural prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating the values of the French court under Louis XIV. The image presents a grand entrance, richly ornamented with classical motifs, reflecting the era's emphasis on order and harmony. The figures entering the doorway give us a sense of the intended scale, which is clearly monumental. The inscription indicates that this print was made "with the King's Privilege," meaning that it formed part of a system of royal patronage and control over the arts. Images like this were used by architects, designers, and patrons to shape taste and display France’s cultural dominance. By studying these prints alongside period documents, we can uncover the complex social and institutional forces that shaped artistic production at this time.