Bouquinistes de Notre Dame 

Antoine Blanchard created this painting, Bouquinistes de Notre Dame, which captures a Parisian street scene. Blanchard, born in France in 1910, is known for his nostalgic cityscapes, often depicting Paris as it was at the turn of the century. This image is rich with socio-economic undertones. Horse-drawn carriages and well-dressed pedestrians suggest a certain class, while the bouquinistes, or booksellers, evoke a culture of intellectual exchange accessible to a broader public. Blanchard painted from memory, capturing what he called ‘the soul of Paris,’ and so, we might ask, whose soul is this? While it presents a romantic vision, the absence of visible working-class figures or marginalized communities raises questions about whose experiences are being prioritized. Although picturesque, it's important to recognize that nostalgia often simplifies complex realities. Blanchard's Paris is one of charm and elegance, but we should consider who might be missing from this representation and why. In this way, the painting prompts us to reflect on how collective memories can shape our understanding of history.