Gezicht op het Palais du Louvre te Parijs 1818

François Louis Couché created this print of the Palais du Louvre in Paris using etching and engraving techniques, probably in the early 19th century. Looking at this image, we see more than just a building; we're witnessing a moment in time, a specific cultural perspective. The Louvre, monumental and imposing, stands as a symbol of French power and artistic heritage. It is important to reflect on who is represented in this image and who is notably absent. Where are the working class, the women, the people of color who contributed to the city's vibrant life? How did their stories intertwine with or diverge from the narratives of power embodied by the Louvre? This print invites us to consider the complex relationship between architectural grandeur and social dynamics. It's a reminder that history is not just about grand structures, but also the stories, often untold, of the people who lived in their shadows.