Arc de Triomphe in Parijs 1880 - 1900

This photograph of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris was made by an anonymous photographer, capturing the iconic monument shortly after its completion. Erected in the 19th century, the Arc served as a symbol of French military prowess under Napoleon. This image shows the Arc functioning as a backdrop to everyday Parisian life, with carriages and figures populating the scene. The photograph itself also speaks to the burgeoning culture of photography. The lack of a known artist pushes us to consider how images are made, distributed and consumed. It invites questions about the role of the artist in shaping historical narratives. To understand this image better, we might delve into the archives of Parisian photography, looking at the technologies and markets that enabled the circulation of such views. Ultimately, this photograph reminds us that art is not created in a vacuum, and its meanings are shaped by the social, cultural, and institutional forces of its time.