Arc de Triomphe 

Here is an oil on canvas painting of the Arc de Triomphe by Antoine Blanchard. Blanchard was a French artist known for his Parisian street scenes. Reflecting on his art, Blanchard said that he sought to capture the essence of Paris. But what does this essence entail? It is an essence that seems suspended in time. As Blanchard painted mostly scenes from the early 20th century, his work is a romanticized depiction of the city. In this vision, Paris exists as a beacon of hope and beauty, a symbol of cultural identity. But Blanchard's Paris is also a carefully constructed image that leaves out the complicated aspects of modern urban life. The painting evokes nostalgia for a bygone era. This depiction of Parisian life, though beautiful, prompts us to consider the complex relationship between memory, identity, and place.