Paris Observatory, Pierre Aveline

View and perspective of the Parisian Observatory
at the end of Faubourg Saint Jacques
Pierre Aveline (1653-1722)

Pierre Aveline (1653–1722) was a French engraver and printmaker known for his detailed architectural and topographical engravings. Born in Paris, he specialized in reproducing views of cities, buildings, and landscapes, contributing to the dissemination of images of French monuments during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Aveline’s works are valued for their precision and artistic quality, and they remain important documents for the study of French architecture and urban history of his time.

The Paris Observatory, founded in 1667 under the initiative of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world. Its construction was led by architect Claude Perrault, with the goal of creating a center dedicated to precise study of the stars. Located in the 14th arrondissement, it aimed to improve cartography and navigation through rigorous observations. The Observatory has played a central role in the development of astronomy in France and continues its scientific activities today.