Collections Database

Description:
View of cobblestone street with shop front and sign "Vin 50/Biere 20" at left side; wrought iron street lamp on cornice of building on left, another on opposite side of street, half way down the block.

Label Text:
An engraver and painter, Marville began his career as a photographer at age 35. He was commissioned by Baron Haussmann in 1865 to photograph the streets of Paris, before they were "pierced" by the construction of the grand boulevards. Marville positioned his camera to emphasize the obstructions and curvature of the street, which when combined with the notable absence of direct light, legitimizes Haussmann's ambitious and expensive public works projects.

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=AC+2000.374

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