Vue de droite du balcon 1854 - 1856

Louis-Pierre-Théophile Dubois de Nehaut captured this image, titled "Vue de droite du balcon," using photography, during a period of significant social change. As we gaze upon this scene, we're invited to consider the nuances of class and social hierarchy depicted. Onlookers are gathered by a balcony, while individuals sit at tables. A horse and carriage are stationed in the bottom left. It's impossible not to wonder about the lives of these people. Who had access to the balcony versus who remained outside? The scene prompts us to reflect on the concept of spectatorship and how social status dictates one's position in relation to power and privilege. Dubois de Nehaut's photograph freezes a moment in time, inviting us to reflect on the historical forces that shape our present. It is a poignant reminder of the ways in which identity, access, and representation intersect within the theater of everyday life.