The Arcades at the Palais-Royal c. 1804

Louis Léopold Boilly rendered "The Arcades at the Palais-Royal" using brush and black ink with gray wash on paper. This drawing provides a glimpse into the bustling social life of late 18th-century Paris, capturing the Palais-Royal, a hub of commerce, leisure, and intrigue. In this transitional moment in France the Palais-Royal was a melting pot where class distinctions blurred amidst the arcades. Boilly's representation of women is particularly striking; they are shown as active participants in public life. The scene hints at the complexities of gender and class within this space, capturing both the freedoms and the constraints experienced by women. Observe the dogs in the foreground, a symbol of wealth and status, and the presence of children, underscoring themes of inheritance and social mobility. As you take in the broader tableau of social interactions, consider how Boilly invites us to reflect on the performance of identity, and the ever-shifting dynamics of Parisian society.