In the Bateau-Mouche 1890

Auguste-Louis Lepère made this print, titled "In the Bateau-Mouche," using etching and engraving techniques. It captures a slice of Parisian life, offering a window into the city’s social dynamics. The image presents a contrast between two groups of people. In the foreground, we see what appears to be a woman in modest attire, perhaps a working-class Parisian, sitting alone. Through the doorway behind her, we glimpse a crowd of wealthier individuals enjoying a boat tour, a popular leisure activity. Made during the late 19th century, this image reflects a society undergoing rapid industrialization and social stratification. Lepère seems to be commenting on the social divisions of his time, contrasting the solitude of the working class with the leisure of the bourgeoisie. By focusing on the woman's contemplative expression, Lepère draws our attention to her experience of exclusion. To fully understand this artwork, one might research the history of leisure in Paris, the social conditions of the working class, and the role of mass media in shaping perceptions of class difference. Art is not created in a vacuum, and it is by understanding its historical context that we can truly appreciate its meaning.