Le Château de Richelieu en Poictou du Côté de l'Entrée 1640 - 1695

Adam Perelle made this print of the Château de Richelieu using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then transferring the image onto paper. The print's linear precision reflects the engraver's skill, but it also echoes the Château's architectural design. Note how the building is depicted with a sense of rigorous order and balance. This isn't accidental. It reflects the values of the era, and also the immense labor involved in constructing and maintaining such an estate. This print gives us a glimpse into the consumption and display of power in 17th-century France. Consider the contrast between the graphic processes used to create this image, and the massive undertaking that was required for the construction of the Chateau itself. By recognizing the effort involved in both, we see how art, craft, and labor are deeply intertwined.