Toeschouwers rondom een plein in Parijs tijdens Mardi Gras 1896

Delizy made this albumen print, depicting spectators around a square in Paris during Mardi Gras, at an unknown date. The image offers a glimpse into the festive atmosphere of pre-Lenten celebrations in the heart of the city. Here, the visual codes of social hierarchy are evident: the architecture itself speaks to the power and permanence of the state, while the crowds, separated by class, gather to witness the spectacle. This photograph raises questions about the public role of such events. Were they merely a form of entertainment, or did they serve a deeper social function, reinforcing existing power structures while providing a temporary release from everyday life? To fully understand the photograph, we would benefit from more knowledge about the specific historical context in which it was made and more detail of the institutional histories that could shape our interpretations of it. Research into the cultural significance of Mardi Gras in 19th-century Paris, as well as the role of photography in documenting and shaping public life at the time, can help in understanding the social function of art.