Gezicht op de decoratie van de Rue de la Feronnerie te Parijs ter gelegenheid van het herstel van Lodewijk XV, koning van Frankrijk, in 1745 1745 - 1775

Jean-François Daumont created this print in 1745, depicting the decorations in the Rue de la Feronnerie in Paris, celebrating the restoration of Louis XV. This event occurred during a period of significant social stratification, where the monarchy's power and the opulence of the aristocracy stood in stark contrast to the lives of the common people. The image captures the grandeur of the event, with elaborate decorations lining the streets, yet it also offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. We see figures from various social strata mingling in the street: what does it mean to come together to celebrate the monarchy when daily life is so unequal? Daumont’s print invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity and power in 18th-century France. It reminds us of the ways in which public spectacle and artistic representation intersect with the lived experiences of individuals across different social strata.