Gezicht op een van de gevels van het kasteel van Richelieu 1629 - 1679

Jean Marot I created this architectural drawing of one of the facades of the Château de Richelieu. Marot, the son of a carpenter, became a leading architectural designer and engraver. This drawing exists within the context of 17th-century France, a time of aristocratic power, and the rise of grand, ornate architecture designed to inspire awe. The Château de Richelieu itself was commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu, an advisor to King Louis XIII. As such, this drawing offers insight into the lives of the elite, and those who served them, in French society. We can imagine Marot, a skilled artisan, meticulously crafting this image to capture the grandeur of the château. While the drawing presents a formal elevation, the muted tones add a softness. It serves as a window into the past and the emotional and social landscape of 17th century France.