L'Arc de Triomphe 1745 - 1808

Hubert Robert created this etching, L'Arc de Triomphe, in eighteenth-century France, a period marked by both aristocratic opulence and growing social unrest. Robert, who witnessed the French Revolution firsthand, often depicted classical ruins, which served as a poignant reminder of the transience of power and the inevitable decay of empires. In this print, the crumbling archway stands as a silent witness to the passage of time, while ordinary figures occupy the foreground. The contrast is stark, highlighting the disparities in French society on the eve of revolution. The figures beside the arch, rendered with an indifference that was typical of the period, emphasize the historical and social distance between the wealthy and the working classes. Robert develops an alternative narrative which invites reflection on the human condition amidst historical forces. This piece connects the grand narratives of history with the intimate experiences of everyday life.