Boulevard des Capucines 

Antoine Blanchard created Boulevard des Capucines with oil on canvas. Blanchard was renowned for his Parisian street scenes, often painted from memory or vintage postcards, evoking a bygone era. The material qualities of oil paint are central here. Its capacity for blending and layering allows Blanchard to create a soft, diffused light, reflecting off the wet cobblestones. Notice how the brushstrokes are visible, particularly in the sky and buildings, adding texture. This technique captures the bustling atmosphere of the boulevard, with its horse-drawn carriages and elegantly dressed figures. Blanchard’s work engages with the tradition of representational painting, but it also hints at broader social themes. The scene suggests a world of leisure and consumption, reflective of the belle époque. Yet, the visible brushwork also underscores the labor involved in the production of this art. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly effortless scenes are the product of skilled craft. By focusing on materials, making, and historical context, we can appreciate Blanchard's work, not just as a nostalgic view, but also as a reflection on labor, society, and the power of craft.