Égouts De Paris 1861

This image, "Égouts De Paris" or "Sewers of Paris," was produced in France in the late 19th century by Félix Nadar, using photographic methods. What might seem like a simple documentation of a city's infrastructure is, in fact, a glimpse into the social and institutional history of Paris. As Paris underwent massive urbanization, the city modernized its sewage system. Nadar's photographs captured the unseen world beneath the city streets. These images aren't just about pipes and tunnels; they're about labor, public health, and urban development. Consider how the sewers reflected social inequalities, with waste disproportionately affecting the poor. Also, think about how the institutions of science and engineering shaped urban planning. We can understand this work better through archival research, examining municipal records, engineering reports, and social surveys to understand the moment of its making. Only then can we truly understand art's role as a reflection of its time.