Veüe du Grand Parterre et de la Demie Lune de Richelieu 1640 - 1695

This print, "Veüe du Grand Parterre et de la Demie Lune de Richelieu," was made by Adam Perelle in the 17th century, using engraving techniques. It is rendered in ink on paper. The graphic clarity of the engraving gives a detailed and comprehensive view of the extensive gardens and grounds of the estate. Look closely, and you’ll see tiny figures populating the grounds, hinting at the elite social life that unfolded here. This was a world of leisure and privilege, made possible by the labor of many. Engraving was a skilled and laborious process, involving the precise carving of lines into a metal plate. This print would have served as both a record and a promotion of the site, part of a wider circulation of images that fueled aristocratic culture. Understanding the material and making of this print helps us to consider the social context it represents – a world of cultivated beauty underpinned by power and work. By considering both the image and its making, we can fully appreciate its cultural significance.