Gezicht op Montmartre 1871

Curator: This etching by Maxime Lalanne, created in 1871, is entitled "Gezicht op Montmartre," or "View of Montmartre." Editor: There's something incredibly delicate about it. It’s small, but the intricacy of the lines gives a real sense of depth and space to this view overlooking Paris. It feels both expansive and intimate, almost like a memory fading at the edges. Curator: As an etching, this print involves the skilled use of acid to corrode the lines of the image into a metal plate. This highlights Lalanne’s craft— the mastery over materials and process—allowing for incredibly fine lines and detailed textures that capture the scene. The production of such multiples speaks to the democratization of art at this time. Editor: The choice to depict Montmartre at this time, however, feels deliberate. It was etched during a tumultuous time after the Franco-Prussian War, and Montmartre itself became central to the Paris Commune that briefly governed the city in the same year. Looking closely, you can feel a poignant juxtaposition—this area of freedom, set against the backdrop of a defeated nation. Curator: Absolutely. The economic forces that shaped the physical space of Montmartre are equally crucial here, as artists and working-class people alike sought affordable spaces and creative inspiration in its elevated setting overlooking Paris. Etching then allowed the representation to reach larger audiences. Editor: I also see this as resistance through art. By capturing the spirit of Montmartre— a place of refuge, resilience, and radical social experimentation— Lalanne immortalizes the community’s values and the spirit of resistance. It becomes a statement on the importance of art and culture in times of conflict. Curator: Seeing the finished print makes me consider his selection of paper stock. Lalanne surely was attuned to the nuances of absorption, tone, and surface qualities that would carry his intricate image into its most final form. Editor: It's an invitation to remember those who shaped the area’s history, to recognize the struggles fought for autonomy, artistic expression, and cultural visibility. This piece resonates, I think, even today as these are still relevant for marginalized groups asserting their place in the global conversation. Curator: It’s fascinating how close consideration of the process behind its making unlocks greater meaning for how we engage with the image. Editor: Yes. Considering all it conveys regarding resistance through community identity, and a will to persist. It moves you, doesn't it?