Quai des Grands Augustins 1900

Donald Shaw MacLaughlan created this etching titled Quai des Grands Augustins, depicting a view along the Seine River in Paris. It captures a moment in the daily life of the city, but also prompts reflection on the role of art in representing social realities. Made during a period of significant social and economic change, the print invites us to consider the relationship between the working class and the urban landscape. MacLaughlan's choice to depict the working riverfront, rather than the grand boulevards, suggests an interest in the lives of ordinary Parisians. The etching technique itself, with its emphasis on line and shadow, conveys the gritty, industrial character of the scene. The image hints at the institutional frameworks that shaped artistic production and reception. Further research into the artist's background, the art market of the time, and the social conditions of Paris could provide further insights into the historical context of the artwork.