View of the gate of the residence of the Queen Mother, from the series 'Views and new perspectives, drawn from the most beautiful places of Paris and environs' (Veües et perspectives nouvelles, tirées sur les plus beaux lieux de Paris et des environs) 1639 - 1649

Claude Goyrand’s etching captures a view of the gate of the Queen Mother’s residence, a potent symbol of power and authority. The monumental gate, adorned with classical figures, speaks of the Queen’s status, but also echoes triumphal arches of Roman antiquity. Consider the figures atop the gate. These are not merely decorative; they are guardians, a motif stretching back to ancient Egypt and Greece. They embody strength and protection, adapted in different times to reinforce the authority of those within. These figures are more than stone; they are psychic reservoirs, unconsciously shaping our perception of power. Throughout history, gates have served as more than physical barriers. They are psychological thresholds. Goyrand’s image taps into this ancient symbolism, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. It mirrors how these motifs evolve and are repeated, each iteration resonating with accumulated historical weight, transformed and re-presented to carry new significance.