Gezicht op de Promenade des Anglais in Nice met linksachter een pier c. 1870 - 1900

Étienne Neurdein made this albumen print of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice in the late 19th century. This photograph offers a window into the transformation of Nice into a resort city. The Promenade, initially a modest path, was expanded thanks to the contributions of wealthy English expatriates. Neurdein’s image captures the blend of natural beauty and constructed elegance that defined Nice’s appeal to the upper classes. The architecture, the neatly planted palm trees, and the well-defined pathways speak to a carefully curated environment designed for leisure and display. During this period, the French Riviera became a playground for European elites, seeking refuge from colder climates and indulging in the pleasures of the Mediterranean. This influx of wealth and influence shaped the city’s social and economic structures. Understanding this image requires delving into archives, travelogues, and social histories of the time. The photograph is not just a depiction of a place, but a record of social engineering.