LE PONT NÃTRE DAME
late 17th century
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-533-31
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into 17th-century Paris withLe Pont Notre-Dame*, a captivating by French artist Gabriel Per (1604–1677). Created in the late 1600s, this work captures the bustling Notre-Dame Bridge, a vital artery over the Seine lined with multi-story houses and shops—a hallmark of the city's vibrant medieval-to-Baroque urban life. During Louis XIV's reign, scenes reflected France's growing fascination with topographic accuracy, blending everyday energy with architectural grandeur. Perelle, a master engraver renowned for his intricate views of French landscapes and landmarks, likely employed etching tec...