Serendipitous discovery department: a fascinating exhibition of photographs of Paris in the 1860s, taken by Charles Marville, with contemporary shots of the same streets, (presumably) taken by the exhibition’s organizer, historian Patrice de Moncan. (If the contemporary shots are not by Moncan, this information is not included in the press release.)
The focus is definitely on Marville’s masterful, sepia images. He was the official photographer of the City of Paris under Baron Haussmann and Napoleon III, during the Second Empire remake of the city. Seeing Paris before — in 1860 — and after — today — gives pause for thought.
I couldn’t help thinking the city was infinitely more attractive, mysterious and photogenic before Haussmann ordered the demolition of hundreds of thousands of medieval buildings, the widening of streets, etc… Of course everyone knows “old Paris” was filthy, chaotic, dangerous, disease-ridden, badly lighted and so forth. But the reality is, today’s city is not an improvement from the aesthetic standpoint — unless you like the towering eyesores and asphalt expanses that have appeared in the last century.
The subject is not a new one, but this is a different take and worth the detour to see, as the Michelin guides might put it. The setting alone — L’Academie d’Architecture at 9 Place des Vosges, a 1607 townhouse — would be worth the trouble. And the view from the windows! This is the first time the academy has thrown open its doors to the public.
Unfortunately there is no website with further information, opening hours (daily 11am-7pm) and so forth. There is no charge. The catalogue of the show is handsome and weighty, a fine souvenir. And you can purchase copies of all the photos on display. The show is only running until February 24, so make haste.
Many thanks, Ted. You would’ve loved the show and the setting! See you on book tour in April! Bestist, dd
Great find and write-up for as you rightly point out “the setting alone at 9 Place des Vosges’ L’Académie d’Architecture” vaut le voyage. Makes me think of one of my favorite architectural finds – Michel Poisson’s book, “Paris: buildings and monuments” with its over 800+ illustrations organized by arrondissement. Reading through your Paris: Paris Into the City of Light’s first chapters, I was rather reminded of Poisson’s Parisian tour of history and the City’s many beautiful buildings. The view from the windows of this 1607 townhouse – indeed makes it worth the trip.