Hôtel National des Invalides ('Dôme des Invalides'), Parijs, Frankrijk c. 1885 - 1910

This photograph of the Hôtel National des Invalides in Paris was made by the publisher J. Kühn. It depicts a Parisian monument that historically served as a military hospital. The Invalides complex embodies a time in France when military strength and centralized power were expressed through grand architecture. The imposing dome, a classic example of French Baroque style, speaks to the ambitions of King Louis XIV, who commissioned the building. Its location in Paris reinforces the idea of the monarchy embedding its power into the urban landscape. To truly understand this image, we might delve into the archives of French state, looking into building plans, royal records, and cultural commentaries. By examining the artwork through a social and institutional lens, we can appreciate it as more than just a beautiful building; it's a statement of power, patronage, and the cultural values of its time.