Banket bij de fontein in het Cour de Marbre te Versailles 1676

Jean Lepautre created this print, "Banquet by the Fountain in the Cour de Marbre at Versailles," using etching. The rigid symmetry and detailed rendering of architectural elements and figures immediately establish a scene of formal grandeur. The print captures a visual hierarchy, framing a scene of courtly life. Lepautre structures the composition around the fountain, emphasizing its role as a focal point. The fountain and architecture dominate the space. The repetition of forms and the strict organization of space contribute to a sense of order. The print utilizes line and form to explore themes of power, representation and spectacle. The detailed rendering invites us to consider how the architecture of Versailles was as a symbol of power and control during the era of Louis XIV. It shows how the court was engineered not just as a place of residence, but as a stage for performances of royal authority. Lepautre's print then, is not just a depiction but an active participant in the construction of royal power.