Gezicht op Château-Renard 1657

This watercolour of Château-Renard in France was made by an anonymous artist. The image, contained within the pages of a book, offers us more than just a picture; it provides insight into the cultural and political functions of landscape imagery. The bird’s-eye perspective and meticulous detail suggest the influence of cartography. Consider the historical context: perhaps this image was commissioned for military or administrative purposes, reflecting the concerns of governance and control, or even as a political statement. The inclusion of the title ‘Château-Renard’ literally in the sky, draws attention to the naming of places as a political act. To truly understand this image, one must explore archives and libraries, delving into historical maps, administrative records, and travel journals. This approach reveals how images shape our understanding of place, power, and the social order.