Waterval in het Bois de Boulogne in Parijs c. 1880 - 1900

This photograph of a waterfall in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris was created by an anonymous photographer using an early photographic process. This image offers a glimpse into the constructed leisure spaces of the 19th century. The Bois de Boulogne was transformed under Napoleon III, becoming a park for Parisians. What we see here is no accident of nature. The waterfall, the carefully placed rocks, and the dense foliage were meticulously designed to evoke a sense of the picturesque. This image then raises some interesting questions: Who had access to these spaces? What kind of social interactions took place here? How did these carefully constructed landscapes shape people's perceptions of nature and leisure? By examining period documents, maps, and social commentaries, we can uncover the hidden stories embedded in this seemingly simple photograph, understanding how it reflects the values and power structures of its time.