Zicht op de tuinen van Versailles 1838

Louis-Julien Jacottet created this print of the gardens of Versailles. The gardens weren't just for show. They were designed as a stage for Louis XIV’s power. At the time this print was made, Versailles was a symbol of French absolutism. But it was also a place of intense social stratification. This image captures the garden's layout, full of geometric patterns and precise landscaping, reflecting a desire for control over nature and, by extension, society. Notice the tiny figures strolling along the paths. The gardens were open to the public, but access was often determined by social standing. The very act of walking through Versailles became a performance of status. While visitors experienced the beauty, they were also reminded of their place within the rigid hierarchy of the French court. This image makes visible the relationship between power, space, and social identity.