Hôtel de Ville, Place des Terreaux, Lyons 1845

Robert Smirke drafted "Hôtel de Ville, Place des Terreaux, Lyons" in 1845, using graphite on paper. Smirke was a leading figure in the English Neoclassical movement, a style known for its formality and grandeur, often used to project power and authority. This drawing captures the Hôtel de Ville, or City Hall, in Lyon, France. Reflect on the way civic architecture serves as a backdrop for daily life, and also as a stage for historical events. The Hôtel de Ville was built during a time of significant social stratification. It embodies the principles of order and reason, while also representing the power structures inherent in urban planning and governance. Consider how the architecture and the drawing of it, both reflect and shape societal values. As you look at Smirke's rendering, think about the many untold stories within these walls.