View of the Château at Folembray 1826 - 1836

Paul Huet made this delicate graphite drawing of the View of the Château at Folembray in the mid-19th century. Huet was at the forefront of the French landscape painting and the rise of the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. Here, we see the Château reflected in the still water, evoking a sense of tranquility and harmony. Yet, the very depiction of leisure and serenity begs the question: Whose leisure is this? And at what cost? In the 19th century, the French aristocracy enjoyed unprecedented privilege, built on the backs of a working class. These estates were symbols of power and wealth, embodying a system that perpetuated deep social inequalities. Huet invites us to reflect on the social structures that allowed such spaces to exist, offering both beauty and a commentary on the socio-economic landscape of his time.