Gezicht op de tuinen en het kasteel van Conflans

Adam Perelle made this print of the gardens and castle of Conflans in the late 17th century. The formality of the architecture, and the neatly laid-out gardens suggest the high social status of those who own it. But how does Perelle's print engage with the social and cultural context of the time? Looking closely, we see figures populating the grounds; they are members of the aristocracy, who would have enjoyed exclusive access to this space. This image reinforces a vision of social hierarchy that was prevalent in France at that time. Landscapes were increasingly used to assert power and status. To fully understand the social implications of this print, we can delve into the history of landscape design, the architecture of country estates, and the cultural values of the French aristocracy. Through such research, we come to see art as a reflection of specific social and institutional contexts.