Paris Fire (Court of Honor at City Hall) 1871

"Paris Fire (Court of Honor at City Hall)" is a photograph by Charles Soulier taken in 1871, documenting the aftermath of the Paris Commune. The image shows the partially destroyed interior of the Hôtel de Ville, the city hall of Paris, after it was set ablaze during the bloody uprising. The photograph, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of political turmoil and the lasting impact of historical events on architecture and urban landscapes. The photograph's stark, black and white composition adds to its sense of historical gravity.