Gezicht op de stad Parijs 1655

This is Matthäus Merian the Younger’s, view of Paris. It's a colored etching, likely made around the mid-17th century. The image presents Paris from an elevated viewpoint, emphasizing its urban sprawl within a landscape of fields. Royal emblems at the top corners claim the city for the French crown, asserting power through representation. Made during a period of significant urban and political development in France, the image reflects the evolving relationship between the monarchy, the city, and its inhabitants. We must remember that Paris in this era was not just a geographical location; it was the epicenter of political and cultural power. Prints such as this served to document and celebrate the dominance of both the city and the regime that governed it. By examining maps and documents, the historian aims to uncover the social and institutional contexts that shaped the production and reception of art.