La Seine au pont-Marie, en 1899. 1er arrondissement 1899

Frédéric Houbron painted La Seine au pont-Marie in 1899, capturing a bustling scene on the river. This watercolor offers us a glimpse into the working life of the Seine. Barges line the riverbanks, and people are busily engaged in transport and trade. Houbron's painting comes at a time of great social change in France, one that saw rapid industrialization and urbanization. The Seine was the main transport artery, and paintings such as this give an insight into the urban and economic infrastructures that made Paris the centre it was. The Pont Marie itself, built in the early 17th century, symbolizes the link between tradition and modernity. Houbron invites us to consider the social structures of his time and how they shape the city’s character. To fully appreciate this work, we can consult archives of urban planning, records of river commerce, and studies of Parisian social history. These resources can illuminate the complex interplay between art, society, and institutions. They would give context to the fleeting moment Houbron captured in his painting.