Gezicht op de gevel van de stallen van het kasteel van Richelieu 1629 - 1679

Jean Marot created this drawing of the Richelieu castle stables in pen and ink, with watercolour washes. The drawing presents a symmetrical elevation of the stable's facade, emphasizing its architectural structure with meticulous detail. The measured balance in its composition, achieved through the repetition of windows and rooflines, may initially seem to evoke stability and order. Yet, this facade becomes a study in architectural representation. Marot's play with perspective, particularly the flattening of depth, challenges our perception. It prompts a deeper consideration of how architectural drawings mediate between the ideal and the real. The washes of colour, while delicate, underscore the drawing's status as an interpretation rather than a mere record. Ultimately, the drawing invites us to consider how architectural representation can destabilize our understanding of space, form and function.