View of the artist’s studio in Paris 

Albert Edelfelt captured this watercolour view from his Paris studio in the late 19th century. It offers a glimpse into the world of an artist working in a city that was then the undisputed center of the art world. The painting’s muted tones and focus on the urban landscape reflect a broader artistic trend of the period: artists turning away from traditional historical and mythological subjects towards everyday life. This shift wasn’t just aesthetic, it mirrored a changing social landscape, with art becoming increasingly entwined with bourgeois life and the experience of modernity. Edelfelt, as a Finnish artist working in Paris, also embodies the internationalism of the art world at this time. His presence there speaks to the institutional structures, such as the Académie Julian, that drew artists from around the world, eager to learn and contribute to the evolving artistic landscape. To fully understand this work, consider the role of Paris as a magnet for artists. Resources such as exhibition reviews, artists' letters, and records from the Académie Julian can help us understand better the social and institutional context of its creation.