Corner of the Old Market, Marseilles c. 20th century

Editor: This is Herman Armour Webster’s print, "Corner of the Old Market, Marseilles." It depicts a quiet urban scene and makes me wonder about the daily lives of the people. What story does this etching tell about Marseilles? Curator: It reflects the visual culture and the public perception of European cities in the early 20th century. Notice how Webster captures a seemingly mundane corner, elevating it through careful composition and detail. How does it invite the viewer to engage with the everyday reality of Marseilles? Editor: I see how it romanticizes daily life, but were these kinds of markets accessible to everyone in Marseilles, regardless of class? Curator: That's an important question to consider. The image likely catered to a specific audience, shaping their understanding of Marseilles. It also makes me wonder about the absence of industrialization from the scene. Editor: It gives us insight into how artists chose to portray urban life and which aspects they emphasized or omitted. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, it reveals how art plays a role in constructing collective memories.