Autre Vue Particulière de Paris depuis Nôtre Dame, Jusques au Pont de la Tournelle 1729

Jacques Rigaud created this print of Paris from Notre Dame toward the Pont de la Tournelle some time in the first half of the 18th century. It gives us an aerial view of the Île de la Cité, capturing the city’s architecture and the bustling activity along the Seine. Rigaud's print reflects the period's fascination with urban planning and representation. The detailed depiction of Paris speaks to the city's growing importance as a center of commerce and culture, but it also reinforces a particular vision of urban order. The inclusion of Notre Dame, and other religious buildings reflects the deep connection between the monarchy and the church. Prints such as this also served a practical purpose, offering those in power, as well as the upper classes, a way to visualize and understand the city. To understand the nuances of this work, we can turn to archival materials, urban histories, and studies of print culture. The image is a reminder that our understanding of art is deeply rooted in historical and institutional contexts.