Copy of Vue du Pont-Neuf (View of the Pont-Neuf), from Les Deux Grandes Vues de Paris (The Two Large Views of Paris) 1625 - 1700

This print offers us a glimpse of Paris, showcasing the bustling Pont-Neuf. Dominating the view is the Tour du Coin, a tower once part of the city's fortifications. The tower, with its hanging, suspended cage, immediately catches the eye. This "cage" was used for detaining criminals, a stark symbol of justice and public shame, akin to the pillories of old but elevated, making the punishment a spectacle for all. Think of how medieval paintings often depicted saints high on columns, the tower here becomes a stage for a grim theater. Consider how such displays tap into the collective psyche, reminding us of societal norms and consequences. Over time, the act of suspending objects, whether for punishment or display, has appeared in various forms, reflecting a primal need to visually assert power or communicate warnings. Like the gargoyles perched on gothic cathedrals, intended to ward off evil but also serving as reminders of the ever-present threat, this image conveys the delicate balance between order and chaos.