Gezicht op de Pont Neuf met daarachter de Galerie du Louvre 1631 - 1661

Israel Silvestre made this print of the Pont Neuf and the Louvre in Paris sometime in the mid-17th century. Silvestre was one of many artists who found royal patronage, and this print gives us a good idea of the visual culture surrounding the monarchy. The image depicts the Pont Neuf, which was a relatively new bridge at the time, and the Louvre Palace, which was still under construction. Silvestre uses a sharp, precise line to create a detailed and accurate depiction of the buildings and the bridge. The print emphasizes the grandeur and scale of these structures, reinforcing their status as symbols of royal power and national pride. Prints like these were often commissioned by the monarchy to promote its image and to showcase the latest architectural and engineering achievements. Today, scholars can examine such works in the context of the court and explore the institution of royal patronage. They can also draw on primary source materials like letters, diaries, and financial records to understand the social and political forces that shaped the production and reception of art in 17th-century France.