Fontaine Saint-Michel in Parijs met tram en voorbijgangers c. 1880 - 1900

This photograph captures the Fontaine Saint-Michel in Paris, with a tram and passersby, taken by Étienne Neurdein. The sepia tones and the silver gelatin printing-out paper give the image a soft, diffused quality, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The composition emphasizes the monumental fountain, its architecture a semi-circular form dominating the right side of the frame. The fountain's structure, rich with sculptural details, creates a play of light and shadow, accentuating its grandeur. The tram and the figures animate the scene, adding layers of depth. Neurdein uses linear perspective to draw the viewer's eye into the urban landscape, where the modern tram system intersects with classical architecture. Through this juxtaposition, Neurdein captures a moment where modernity and tradition coexist. The photograph destabilizes our perception of time, merging the historical monument with the contemporary bustle of Parisian life. This contrast reflects broader cultural tensions between preserving the past and embracing progress.