Gezicht op Château de Saint-Cloud 1631 - 1661

Israel Silvestre created this print of the Château de Saint-Cloud, we don't know exactly when, but it was sometime during the 17th Century. Silvestre was a draughtsman and printmaker, who became an official artist to the French court, under Louis XIV. His work provides insight into the cultural and political landscape of the time. His depictions of grand estates reinforced the image of royal power and the aristocratic lifestyle. France was a society defined by strict social hierarchies, with the monarchy and nobility at the top. Prints like this, visually reinforced those power dynamics, creating an idealized version of the world available only to a select few. Look closely at the elaborate shield hovering above the landscape. It’s a symbol of wealth and status, emphasizing the exclusivity of this refined world. This isn’t just a picture of a building; it's a statement about who belongs and who is excluded. Consider how we today continue to consume images of wealth and power. What do they tell us about our own values and aspirations?