The Seine, the Louvre, and the College of the Four Nations from Pont Neuf

This painting (1666–9) captures the Seine from Pont Neuf, highlighting the Louvre and the Collège des Quatre-Nations, designed by Louis Le Vau. It reflects Paris’s transformation under Bourbon rule, where river traffic and monumental architecture symbolize royal urbanism. The scene illustrates the convergence of space, commerce, and learning, turning the Seine into a stage of power and showcasing the classical capital’s grandeur.