La Madeleine in Parijs before 1840

This is Charles Bour’s depiction of ‘La Madeleine in Paris,’ a print of 210 by 260 millimetres. The structure of the Madeleine dominates the composition with its formidable, temple-like facade. Bour has captured this structure with an eye for geometric precision that is contrasted with the softer rendering of the surrounding Parisian environment. The print uses light and shadow to define forms, creating depth and texture. Note how the columns are delineated and how the shadows help emphasize their three-dimensionality and their architectural details. Bour’s formal approach presents the Madeleine as a monumental statement of power, and the way he organizes space subtly reflects broader cultural codes of order and civic pride that were ascendant in the 19th century. This print is not just a visual record, but also an interpretation of Paris and a reflection of its cultural values.