Bitumiers 1899 - 1900

Curator: This photograph by Eugène Atget, taken between 1899 and 1900, is entitled "Bitumiers," and it's a gelatin-silver print. What strikes you about it? Editor: The muted tones and somewhat hazy quality lend the scene a feeling of timelessness, as if this moment could exist outside of a specific era. There's a powerful contrast between the figures and the bright light, directing the eye around the whole picture. Curator: Absolutely. It presents working-class subjects in early 20th-century Paris, in this case, men laying asphalt. Atget documented trades disappearing due to industrialization. These laborers were the unsung builders of the modern city, their strenuous physical labor often invisible. We can appreciate this image in light of labor studies. Editor: Semiotically, the arrangement and postures create a visual language that conveys their actions in detail. The men's downcast gazes, the angle of their bodies—it speaks to labor, the repetitiousness of the task. And note how Atget directs our gaze by making us follow the line of already laid stones. Curator: Precisely. They highlight the impact of industrial modernization, showcasing workers’ resilience. How do these images invite viewers to think about labor then and now? What continuities or disruptions can be observed? Atget highlights both social inequality and a changing economy. Editor: From a structuralist perspective, there's a clear framework. The repetition of forms, the lines of the street, the parallel alignment of bodies – order emerges even from an ostensibly mundane scene. This imbues a deeper narrative of design, planning and process that can be viewed beyond the social perspective. Curator: That's an interesting perspective, indeed. So, what final thoughts does this work leave you with? Editor: For me, the strength of its formal construction adds dignity to this candid moment of labor. The soft tones and organized pattern create beauty out of industry. Curator: And I am reminded how much of the foundation of our world is created through undervalued human endeavor. It compels us to reckon with the power dynamics still prevalent today.