Joueur d'orgue (Organ Player) 1898 - 1899

This photograph by Eugène Atget captures a street organ player with his instrument, and a woman listening with joy. The organ itself is a powerful symbol, evoking a range of emotions. The instrument, a marvel of engineering, is a vehicle for music and memory. Organs have long been associated with religious spaces, royalty, and grand occasions, and in the streets, they brought a touch of spectacle to everyday life, connecting collective memory and subconscious processes. This photograph encapsulates how the organ evolved over time, shifting from sacred to secular spaces, and how such moments of street performance tapped into a deep, subconscious level of the collective unconscious. Notice the woman's face—her joyful reaction is a powerful expression, engaging viewers on a deep, emotional level. We might imagine her remembering a song from childhood, or a moment of joy sparked by the sound. Such moments of auditory experience trigger emotional states that connect us to a deep and evolving history, resonating across time and culture.