Paris 1900

Curator: Before us we have Everett Shinn’s watercolor drawing, simply titled "Paris", created in 1900. What captures your attention first? Editor: Well, there's a definite unfinished quality here that gives it an incredibly vibrant and energetic feel. It’s like glimpsing a moment rather than studying a finished scene. I like the stark contrast between the solidity of the Arc de Triomphe, and the impressionistic rendition of Parisian life. Curator: That’s beautifully put! For me, it evokes a nostalgic feeling, an echo of a bygone era when horse-drawn carriages filled these streets. But I feel, this image wants me to wander beyond representation, it transcends literal accuracy, diving deep into the impressionist philosophy of capturing the ephemeral quality of the city itself. It almost gives me that phantom limb feeling. Editor: Exactly. I notice how Shinn uses watercolor so sparingly; it’s more of a suggestion of color. Consider the way the figures in the lower right just fade into these hasty sketches that evokes, not describes, Parisian society. The ghostly shadow of another carriage in the lower-center suggests the passage of time. Are we remembering, or looking towards a vision? Curator: True. The sketchy nature emphasizes the flux and flow of Parisian life at the turn of the century. I find myself pondering about the choice to portray the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc feels like an ode to triumph and power and I'm also drawn towards the symbolism of urban life, hinting towards progress and ambition while the blurred edges subtly suggest the potential shadows and darker implications of modernization. It has an air of, almost a dark nostalgia, where triumph flirts with a deeper contemplation. Editor: Fascinating observation! And the Arc, often representing victory, could here symbolize the collective ambitions of a nation. The way it dominates the composition lends credence to this view. So much history, culture, and human aspiration concentrated into this architectural symbol. Curator: And like that the dreamscape blurs, suggesting the human heart, where triumph is interwoven with life, loss, dreams and all else. Shinn lets us reflect upon both victory and the dream of life. This image sings about it all. Thank you Everett. Editor: Indeed. Shinn offers us more than just a Parisian vista, it's a reflection on how history and modernity merge. It invites us to question what grand narratives truly signify in our lives. Food for thought.