Magasin, Avenue Des Gobelins 

Here we see Eugène Atget’s photograph of a shop window on the Avenue Des Gobelins, Paris. The formal suits and bow ties indicate the fashions of Atget’s era, while the headless mannequins give an unsettling tone, like figures from a dream. The suit, as a symbol, evolved from utilitarian garments to a marker of status, power, and belonging. In ancient Rome, the toga served a similar purpose, distinguishing citizens and conveying social standing. Across the centuries, the cut and style changed, but the underlying message of conformity and authority remained. Consider the somber black attire of the clergy, or the business suit of today. These are emblems that transcend mere clothing. The suit evokes complex, subconscious reactions—desire, aspiration, and even alienation. It is a garment laden with cultural memory, reflecting our collective aspirations and anxieties. Atget’s image reminds us that symbols are never static but are always in flux, evolving with the currents of time and culture.