Zicht op de Rue Jeanne d'Arc en de kathedraal in Orléans 1853 - 1856

Léon Auguste Asselineau created this print depicting the Rue Jeanne d'Arc and cathedral in Orléans. Asselineau invites us into a carefully composed street scene. The rising towers of the cathedral, bathed in light, dominate the composition. The street is filled with figures who seem to be enjoying a leisurely stroll. Made in France, this print serves as a window into the cultural values of the 19th century. The location is a historical site commemorating the legendary Joan of Arc, a symbol of French nationalism and religious devotion. We see how the architecture of the cathedral underscores the power of the church as a social institution, as well as the growing importance of the secular city. Examining this image, we have to ask ourselves, "What is the public role of art?" Through archival research into the artist’s life and the historical context of the image, we can better understand its meaning and the social forces that shaped its creation.