Zicht op het stadhuis van Parijs 1820 - 1821

Jean-Baptiste Arnout made this print of the Paris city hall. Although undated, we can imagine it was made during a time of immense social and political change in France. This image presents a very traditional, stately view of French governance, yet the figures included on the print remind us that this is no static depiction. On the right, a small company of soldiers stands guard, while on the left, a lone figure walks across the cobblestone square. We can almost hear the echoing footsteps and the clatter of the soldier's arms. What story do these figures tell us? Are they guardians or citizens? What do they seek from the government? The print offers not just a picture of a building, but also a reflection on power, civic duty, and the ever-present tension between the state and the individual. How does this image affect your own sense of belonging and participation in society?