Le Boulevard des Italiens, from Tirage Unique de Trente-Six Bois Possibly 1862 - 1920

Curator: This print, possibly created between 1862 and 1920, is titled "Le Boulevard des Italiens, from Tirage Unique de Trente-Six Bois." The artist is Charles Maurand, and the location it's held now is at the Art Institute of Chicago. Immediately I'm struck by its mood of almost… comical cynicism? Editor: Yes, it does have that feeling! Look at those top hats looming like dark storm clouds, and the way everyone's attention seems to be focused—or perhaps, fixated—on something we can't quite see. Top hats became an obvious emblem for the bourgeoisies—a period when wearing specific attire became an unspoken language of class identity. I read them as dark figures, standing for a corrupt society, because they are not happy figures, but looming oppressors. Curator: I love that reading! The top hats almost serve as visual shorthand, yes, instantly communicating the era and social standing. The print certainly encapsulates a slice of 19th-century Parisian life; you almost feel transported to a bustling city street! There's also a romantic sensibility—especially if you are a flaneur, aimlessly enjoying urban scenery. The artist certainly paid attention to capturing nuances such as these. Editor: Absolutely! The body language on each face reveals so much. The repetition of faces turned towards us with vacant expressions may reveal how artificial the social system actually is; these individuals are forced into repeating learned behaviors of keeping up appearances, so the artist can certainly see that. Look, it's almost like everyone is looking, but is really disconnected and bored by the realities of their time. The more I stare at it, the more it has a sinister sensibility that contrasts against how beautiful it can appear initially. Curator: It's true. Now I'm seeing beyond that initial comical assessment; the gazes all become… unnerving, which makes me want to linger to uncover more of this narrative! The depth of detail, the commitment to those expressions, becomes the real star. The whole thing is pretty enchanting. Editor: Enchanting and ominous… perhaps the best kind of art.