Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe 

Antoine Blanchard painted this view of the Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe. Blanchard, born in France in 1910, is best known for his Parisian street scenes, often nostalgic in tone, representing the city as it was at the turn of the century. This painting evokes a sense of Parisian charm, depicting a bustling city street with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians navigating the wet cobblestones. What can be easily overlooked is the historical context, with Blanchard painting these scenes during a period of significant social and political change. The charm depicted in the artwork represents an idealized version of Paris, which contrasts with the realities of post-war life. These nostalgic scenes offered viewers an escape, an opportunity to connect with a romanticized past. Blanchard skillfully captures the emotional resonance of a bygone era, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship to history, memory, and place.