View of the Old Pier of the Port of La Tournelle, in 1857 1869

Editor: This etching by Alphonse Louis Pierre Trimolet, "View of the Old Pier of the Port of La Tournelle, in 1857," really captures a sense of bustling activity along the Seine. What do you see in this piece from a historical perspective? Curator: Well, it's interesting to consider this image as a record of urban life before Haussmann's renovations transformed Paris. The pier is a hive of labor, reflecting the city's reliance on river commerce. Notice how Notre Dame looms, not just as a religious symbol but as a backdrop to daily life. Editor: So, it’s not just a pretty picture, but a snapshot of a working city? Curator: Precisely! Trimolet shows us the vital infrastructure and the people who powered Paris, offering a glimpse into the socio-economic landscape of the era. It highlights the public role of the river and pier. Editor: That changes how I see it entirely. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. It's always rewarding to see art as a window into the past.