Égouts De Paris 1861

Felix Nadar made this photograph of the Paris sewers, sometime in the late 19th century, using artificial light. Nadar gained fame portraying prominent artists and intellectuals, but he also pioneered the use of photography in unusual environments. Here, Nadar turns his lens toward the underbelly of Parisian society, documenting the modernization of the city’s infrastructure. The figure standing in the sewer becomes a symbol, highlighting the labor required to keep the city functioning smoothly. His presence is both a testament to human ingenuity and a stark reminder of the class divisions inherent in urban development. The sewers, typically hidden from view, become a stage upon which we can reflect on the social and economic structures that shape urban life. Nadar’s image challenges us to consider what is concealed beneath the surface of progress.