Gezicht op de stad Parijs gezien vanaf de Quai de Miramion 1749 - 1799

This anonymous print offers a view of Paris from the Quai de Miramion. The composition divides the scene into three distinct horizontal registers: the bustling foreground, the serene river, and the skyline. This creates a sense of depth, yet also flattens the picture plane. The delicate use of color, predominantly soft blues, greens, and yellows, evokes a tranquil atmosphere, contrasting with the intricate detail of the figures and buildings. The artist employs a linear style, defining forms with precise outlines and minimal shading. It is reminiscent of early cartographic techniques, aiming to meticulously record urban space. The formal structure, where each element is rendered with equal emphasis, destabilizes traditional notions of perspective. The print seems to embrace a descriptive approach rather than creating an illusion of depth. This visual strategy aligns with structuralist ideas about the equal importance of all parts within a system, challenging the fixed, hierarchical perspectives that dominated Renaissance art. The lack of depth challenges the viewer to reconsider the role of space and perception.