Detail van de facade van Hotel Roger te Parijs 1865

Alexandre Marie Soudain made this drawing of a facade in Paris, using an unknown medium, and referencing the style of Louis XVI. The drawing offers us a glimpse into the architectural tastes of the time and the ways in which buildings reflected the values and aspirations of the society that commissioned them. Architectural drawings like this one were produced during a period of significant urban development and transformation in Paris, which was driven by economic expansion, population growth, and changing social norms. The architecture of Paris at this time was characterized by a mix of classical and baroque styles, with an emphasis on grandeur, symmetry, and ornamentation. By studying drawings like this, along with other historical sources such as maps, documents, and photographs, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and political forces that shaped the urban landscape of Paris. This helps us better understand the complex relationship between art, architecture, and society.