Landschap met gebouwen bij rivier 1613 - 1695

This is "Landscape with Buildings by a River," an etching made by Nicolas Perelle in Paris, sometime in the latter half of the 17th century. Perelle was one of many artists who made a living by creating views of buildings and landscapes to be sold to collectors and tourists. This print is interesting because it offers a glimpse into the artistic and publishing networks of the time. Note the inscription, which indicates that the print was sold by Pierre Mariette, a prominent Parisian publisher and print dealer. The image gives us a romantic vision of nature, with classical buildings adding to the charm. But what exactly is this landscape? Where is it? By placing the name of the publisher so prominently, the print seems to function as an advertisement for the print market itself. As historians, it is our job to research the various archives and collections, which will enable us to discover the cultural and commercial context of this image, helping us to better understand its meaning and purpose.