Gezicht op Fréjus 1631 - 1691

Israel Silvestre produced this print of Fréjus in France in the mid-17th century using etching. The image presents us with a view of the ancient Roman city, framed by a prominent tree and figures in the foreground. Silvestre was one of the leading printmakers of his day, and he specialized in topographical views of cities and landscapes. This print reflects the cultural and political interests of the French court under Louis XIV. The depiction of classical ruins speaks to the era’s fascination with antiquity, a fascination cultivated by institutions such as the Académie Royale d’Architecture, founded in 1671. The imposing architecture and controlled composition reflect the desire to portray France as a powerful, orderly, and civilized nation. Understanding this print requires researching both the artist's biography and the political context in which he worked, using sources like letters, archival documents, and contemporary accounts. Through this kind of contextual investigation, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, power, and cultural identity in early modern France.