Victor-Jean Nicolle
View of the Halle au blé, à la farine et aux graines, and the Medici column, in Paris
Vue de la Halle au blé, à la farine et aux graines, et la colonne astronomique et solaire, à Paris by Nicolle Victor-Jean (1754-1826)Intercéréales
As we follow the journey of grains of wheat, rustic scenery gives way to a more built-up environment. As bread remains the staple of local diets, the wheat and flour trade is subject to heavy scrutiny.
To monitor transactions and store this precious merchandise, every major urban center has its own wheat exchange. In this piece, Nicolle depicts the Paris Wheat Exchange, the first to have been built, a true landmark that stands out against the city backdrop.
The building's structure was intended to spark public interest and also project the image of a provident administration, mindful of its guarantee of daily bread for each Parisian citizen.
