Gezicht op de Paseo de Recoletos in Madrid met wandelende mensen c. 1888 - 1898

Hauser y Menet captured this view of the Paseo de Recoletos in Madrid, using an early form of photography to freeze a moment in time. As we gaze upon this scene, we're drawn into a world that reflects the rigid social structures of the era. Note the attire of the figures. Predominantly men in dark suits and hats, and women in long dresses, their clothing speaks volumes about the gender and class distinctions of the time. This photograph presents a narrative about who had access to public spaces, and how they were expected to present themselves. The deliberate arrangement of figures, with their backs turned, creates a sense of anonymity and perhaps alludes to the performative aspects of public life. Hauser y Menet offer a glimpse into a bygone era while subtly prompting us to question the dynamics of representation, identity, and social norms.