Paris. - La Rue Saint-Lazare 1905

This image, made by Léon & Lévy, captures the bustling Rue Saint-Lazare in Paris using photography and colorization. It is a postcard, a humble format, yet speaks volumes about the rise of mass tourism and the commodification of experiences. The photograph, initially black and white, was hand-tinted, an early form of image manipulation. The delicate application of color creates a romanticized vision of Parisian life, which obscures the social realities of the time. Look closely, and you'll notice the horse-drawn carriages and early motor vehicles, a visual record of a city in transition. The very act of capturing and reproducing this scene was made possible by industrial advancements in photography and printing, processes that relied on both skilled labor and mechanized production. Consider the hands involved in its creation, from the photographer to the colorists and printers. This postcard isn't just an image; it's a product of its time, reflecting the changing landscape of labor, leisure, and consumption. By looking at the materials and processes involved, we gain insight into the social forces shaping not just art, but everyday life.