Gezicht op een boulevard te Parijs, gezien vanaf de Rue des Filles du Calvaire richting de wijk Belleville 1745 - 1775

Jean-François Daumont created this print depicting a boulevard in Paris in the 18th century. Boulevards, like the one seen here, became social spaces for various classes. The print offers a glimpse into the era's social dynamics. We see figures strolling, engaging in commerce, and generally enjoying leisure time. It’s interesting to consider who has access to these spaces. What does it mean to see and be seen? The wide avenue and the architecture of the buildings frame a world of social spectacle. While the print presents a public space, it also underscores the societal norms and class distinctions present in 18th-century Paris. There's a sense of both possibility and constraint in this carefully constructed urban environment. As you look at this image, consider the roles of observer and observed, and how this space might have fostered both connection and alienation.