Rue Chartière (impasse Chartière) de la rue de Reims 1865 - 1869

Editor: We're looking at "Rue Chartière (impasse Chartière) de la rue de Reims," a print photograph by Charles Marville, created between 1865 and 1869. It feels incredibly still, almost melancholic. The narrow street, the strong shadows... it gives such a sense of a forgotten time. How would you interpret this work, considering the historical context? Curator: This photograph is more than just a pretty picture of an old street. Think about the context: Marville was commissioned to document the parts of Paris slated for demolition during Haussmann's renovation. This wasn’t simply urban renewal; it was a massive reshaping of social space, a political project meant to modernize and control the city. Editor: So, this image isn't just documentation, it's almost a kind of… resistance? Curator: It depends how you view it. He was hired by the city, after all. But what does he choose to show us? An empty, almost desolate alleyway, far from the grand boulevards being built. The presence of that man, quietly sitting, reinforces the image's focus on the human scale, on what’s being lost in this modernization. Editor: He’s documenting a place about to disappear, yes? Capturing the feel of Old Paris, the intimacy of these close-knit neighborhoods that were about to be swept away to make room for wider streets. Curator: Exactly! And consider the political implications. Wider streets weren't just for aesthetics; they were designed to prevent barricades, to facilitate the movement of troops. Photography like this becomes a way of preserving, even valorizing, a way of life that was actively being erased. So, is it resistance? Perhaps a subtle form, yes. It is crucial to remember the image’s intent and impact in its own historical moment and in later times. Editor: That’s fascinating. I’d never considered the political undercurrents of a seemingly simple cityscape. I see the work very differently now, appreciating its social and political dimensions, especially concerning Haussmann's transformations. Curator: That is precisely the point. Images do more than just capture scenes; they actively engage with and reflect the social forces around them. Hopefully, this piece provides a tangible bridge into that historical transformation.