Gezicht op de wegen rond het Kasteel van Versailles 1648 - 1691

Adam Perelle created this print of the grounds surrounding the Chateau of Versailles in the late 17th century. The image presents a bird's-eye view of the meticulously designed gardens, roads, and buildings, bustling with activity. The print speaks to the absolutist ambitions of Louis XIV. Versailles was not merely a residence but a stage for the performance of power. The gardens, with their strict geometric patterns, symbolized the King's ability to control nature and, by extension, his kingdom. Prints like this, widely circulated, played a crucial role in promoting Versailles as a symbol of French cultural and political dominance. The Rijksmuseum, in preserving this print, contributes to the ongoing study of the intersection of art, power, and propaganda in early modern Europe. To fully understand this work, we can consult historical records, architectural plans, and court documents that reveal the complex social dynamics reflected in this carefully constructed landscape.