Zicht op de Barrière de Passy en de Pont d'Iéna in Parijs 1820

Jean-Baptiste Arnout created this print of the Barrière de Passy and the Pont d'Iéna in Paris sometime in the early 19th century. The pale and delicate lines and monochromatic grey-scale give the work a feeling of austerity and muted grandeur. Arnout masterfully uses linear perspective, drawing the viewer's eye towards the horizon and across the bridge. Notice how the architecture on the left is rendered with precise geometric forms, in contrast to the lighter treatment of the bridge. This highlights the relationship between the structural elements of the city and the open space beyond. The print engages with the philosophical interest of the period. The emphasis on clarity and order reflects a broader cultural desire for rationality and control which was reflected in the urban planning and architecture of the time. The print functions as both a visual document and a statement about the values of the era. It also challenges traditional notions of picturesque landscape art, which often prioritised romantic naturalism over urban subjects.