Lodewijk XVI arriveert met zijn familie in Parijs, 6 oktober 1789 1791 - 1798

Pierre Gabriel Berthault created this print, "Louis XVI Arriving in Paris with his Family, October 6, 1789," using etching. The composition is structured around a linear procession, leading the eye from the foreground towards the imposing architectural backdrop. The stark contrast between the dark masses of people and the light tones of the buildings emphasizes the tension of the moment. The figures are rendered with minimal detail, almost as abstract shapes, which underscores the collective nature of the event. The artist uses line and shadow to convey a sense of depth and movement. The scene’s semiotic weight shifts the understanding of power from the monarchy to the mass of people depicted. Berthault's manipulation of perspective invites us to consider the political upheaval of the French Revolution. The emphasis on the crowd destabilizes the traditional representation of royal authority, suggesting a new social order. In conclusion, the formal elements of this print offer a potent visual commentary on the shifting power dynamics of revolutionary France, inviting us to question the very nature of authority and representation.