Zicht op een straat met kerktoren in München 1840 - 1882

Hubert Clerget’s print offers us a glimpse into 19th-century Munich. The church tower looms over a street bustling with commerce and daily life. Born in France, Clerget's artistic journey reflects the shifting political landscapes of Europe, a continent in the throes of industrialization and social change. In "Zicht op een straat met kerktoren in München," we see how the identity of a city is constructed. The architecture signifies power and tradition while the figures in the foreground, likely common people, represent the everyday. The artist directs our gaze down the street using light and shadow which creates a gendered perspective of the flâneur, aimlessly observing city life. It asks us to reflect on who is allowed to ‘see’ and who is seen. It's an invitation to consider how urban spaces are shaped by social dynamics and power structures.