Apple Market, Viewed from the Pont Louis-Philippe, plate seven from Le Long de la Seine et des Boulevards Possibly 1890 - 1910

Auguste-Louis Lepère made this print, "Apple Market, Viewed from the Pont Louis-Philippe," which offers us a glimpse into late 19th century Parisian life. During this period, the city underwent massive urban redevelopment, impacting the daily lives of its citizens. Lepère situates us on the bridge, looking down at the bustling apple market. Here, gendered labor is subtly present, with men navigating the boats, while women likely played crucial roles in selling the produce. The river itself served as a vital artery for commerce and a space for the working class. Lepère’s print invites us to consider the relationship between the city's modernization and the experiences of its inhabitants. The atmospheric rendering captures a sense of the everyday. It serves as a poignant reminder of the people whose labor shaped the city.