Boulevard Saint-Denis 1929

Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac made this etching called "Boulevard Saint-Denis." Though undated, it likely captures Paris between the wars, as he was devoted to chronicling the city, its landscapes, and its people. Segonzac, who served in the first World War, presents us with a familiar yet detached vision of urban life. The street scene, rendered in delicate lines, is both intimate and anonymous. Bare trees and diffused light create a melancholic atmosphere, which hints at the emotional and psychological aftermath of war. The figures, sketched with minimal detail, are representative of the countless individuals who navigate the city's boulevards each day. Segonzac’s approach reflects a tension between traditional artistic values and the changing social landscape of postwar France. The boulevard emerges as a space of both collective experience and individual isolation, mirroring the complexities of modern identity. While the scene may seem commonplace, the subtle emotional undertones invite us to consider the hidden stories and unspoken realities of urban life.