Boulevard Montmart in, Parijs 1887 - 1900

This photograph captures the Boulevard Montmartre in Paris, rendered by an anonymous photographer known only as ‘X phot.’ The image transports us to a bustling Parisian street, filled with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians. The photograph provides a glimpse into the urban fabric of Paris, shaped by its socio-economic dynamics. Who is present, who is absent? The wide boulevard embodies the modern city, but it also reflects a certain class divide, suggesting that not all Parisians had equal access to or representation in these spaces. Do you think the photographer captured the working class in the same way? The sepia tones evoke nostalgia, inviting us to consider the relationship between memory, place, and identity, emphasizing the city's enduring appeal as a symbol of modernity and cultural richness.