Zicht op Caen vanaf de Cours Caffarelli 1855 - 1859

Louis Lebreton made this print of Caen’s port from the Cours Caffarelli sometime in the mid-19th century. Lebreton was a French naval artist who participated in scientific expeditions, and here, his attention to detail brings to life the bustling activity of a port city in Normandy. Look closely at the figures in the foreground, who seem to be taking a moment of leisure. The juxtaposition of their stillness with the active port raises questions about labor and leisure in a changing industrial landscape. The monument in the distance also suggests the legacies of French history and colonialism. As you take in the scene, consider how Lebreton’s image captures a moment of transition. The rise of industrialization, as symbolized by the smoking chimney, marks the beginning of an era that would forever alter both the landscape and the social dynamics of French society. It invites us to reflect on the complex layers of history, labor, and identity woven into the fabric of this coastal community.