Koninklijk Paleis van El Pardo bij Madrid 1694 - 1737

This engraving, Koninklijk Paleis van El Pardo bij Madrid, was created by Pieter van den Berge. Notice how the formal, architectural rendering of the palace creates a sense of symmetry, balance and order. The engraving emphasizes structure, with the imposing towers and meticulously rendered facade set against the backdrop of an open sky. The tree to the left provides an asymmetrical contrast, destabilizing the rigid formality of the palace with its organic form. The arrangement of space and the use of perspective functions to underscore power. The semiotic system of signs and symbols—the towers signifying authority, the open plaza implying public access—reflect the cultural codes of Van den Berge’s time. Yet, the rendering feels like a stage set: the almost theatrical composition suggests that the image of power is carefully constructed. The overall effect is a reflection on the dynamics between architecture, representation, and authority.