Zicht op het kasteel van Fontainebleau 1838

Louis-Julien Jacottet made this print of the Château de Fontainebleau in France using lithography. Images like this were often commissioned as a means of celebrating powerful architecture. The clean lines and muted tones create a serene and idealised view of the Château. Fontainebleau has a rich history, having served as a residence for French monarchs from the 12th century. Jacottet’s image would have contributed to its enduring appeal as a symbol of French heritage. The formal design, reminiscent of architectural drawings, underscores the Château's significance as a carefully planned and constructed monument. To understand the full scope of this print, we can delve into archives, exploring the Château's commission history and comparing it with other contemporary depictions. This enables us to see how artists contributed to the cultural and political narratives associated with such iconic structures.