Gezicht op de Porte Saint-Bernard 1674 - 1695

Adam Perelle created this print of the Porte Saint-Bernard in Paris using etching. The image demonstrates how art can document, reflect, and even shape urban development. Here, the Porte Saint-Bernard stands as more than just a gate; it’s a symbol of royal power and Parisian identity. Notice the detail Perelle gives to the architecture and the bustling activity around it. The scene is rendered in the 17th century, a period when Paris was undergoing significant transformation under rulers keen to display power through imposing structures. The Porte acts as a backdrop to the daily lives of Parisians, a deliberate attempt to integrate royal ambition with everyday life. Understanding the social and institutional history behind such images involves looking at city archives and period documents. These help to reveal the intentions behind urban planning and the role of art in shaping public perception. Ultimately, artworks like this one remind us that urban landscapes are not just physical spaces; they are political statements.