Gezicht op Saint-Germain-en-Laye 1655

"Gezicht op Saint-Germain-en-Laye" is an etching by Israel Silvestre, a French artist active in the 17th century. Dated 1655, the artwork depicts a panoramic view of the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a royal residence located outside of Paris. Silvestre’s attention to detail is apparent in the precise rendering of the castle’s architecture, including its long facade and surrounding gardens. The etching is held in the Rijksmuseum and measures 116 mm in height and 179 mm in width. The artwork is a testament to Silvestre’s skill as a draftsman and his interest in capturing the grandeur of royal architecture. This work also reflects the prevailing artistic trends of the 17th century, namely, the popularity of landscape and architectural prints. It is a beautiful example of a “veduta,” a genre of artwork that depicts city views.