Zicht op de Colonne Vendôme 1828

Ernest Jaime made this print of the Place Vendôme sometime in the 19th century. It shows the square as a stage for the rituals of power, where the newly rich could see and be seen. The column itself was erected by Napoleon to commemorate his victory at Austerlitz. It was made from melted down cannons and the frieze spiraling up the column depicts scenes from the Napoleonic wars. This image then presents an interesting perspective on French identity in its appeal to classical antiquity to legitimize military campaigns. The question is: who is benefitting from this imagery? As historians, to understand this image, we must look at the history of the square itself, commissioned by Louis XIV, and the various political regimes that have invested it with their own meanings. That way we may begin to understand whose interests are being represented.