Gezicht op het hertogelijk paleis te Nancy before 1664

Claude Déruet’s “View of the Ducal Palace in Nancy” is an etching offering us a glimpse into the opulent world of 17th-century French aristocracy. Déruet, born in Nancy, served as court painter to the Dukes of Lorraine, so his position gave him intimate access to the lives and spaces of the ruling elite. This artwork is more than just a depiction of architecture; it's a statement about power, class, and identity during a time of immense social stratification. The palace, rendered with meticulous detail, looms large, while the figures in the foreground are diminutive, emphasizing the Duke’s dominance. The decorative elements, from the ornate drapery to the heraldic symbols, reinforce this image of aristocratic grandeur. Consider how Déruet uses perspective to create a sense of depth, drawing the viewer into this world of privilege. Yet, there's also a certain artifice to the scene, a constructed image of power that belies the social tensions simmering beneath the surface. It prompts us to think about whose stories are being told and whose are being left out of this carefully curated view of noble life.