Veuë et Perspective dâune grotte au bout de lâallée du grand jet dâeau a St. Clou
1680â1695
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-533-85
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Israel Silvestre's *Veuë et Perspective d’une grot au bout de l’all du grand jet d’eau St. Clou* (ca. 1680–1695) offers a captivating glimpse into the opulent gardens of the Château de Saint-Cloud, favored royal retreat near Paris during Louis XIV's reign. As a master French etcher and draughtsman (1621–1691), Silvestre in precise topographical views, or *vedute*, that immortalized the era's grand landscapes. This print likely captures the dramatic perspective of a grotto at the avenue's end, framing the estate's iconic "grand jet d’eau"—a towering fountain symbolizing the Sun King's mastery o...