Gezicht op de tuin en het Hotel des Ambassadeurs te Spanje 18th century

This print, made by Basset in the late 18th or early 19th century, depicts the garden and Hotel des Ambassadors in Spain. The image reflects the social and cultural values of the time, particularly the emphasis on order, control, and display of wealth. The symmetrical layout of the garden and the formal architecture of the buildings suggest a desire for harmony and balance. The figures strolling through the garden are dressed in fashionable clothing, indicating the importance of social status and appearance. The print also speaks to the politics of imagery in this period. It presents an idealized vision of the Spanish court, perhaps designed to impress viewers and reinforce the power and authority of the monarchy. To understand the print more fully, we might investigate the history of the Hotel des Ambassadors, the role of gardens in courtly life, and the visual culture of 18th-century Spain. These resources offer a deeper appreciation of the print's social and institutional context.