Gezicht op de Pont Neuf in Parijs before 1886

Paul Dujardin created this photograph of the Pont Neuf in Paris sometime between 1843 and 1913. The image is part of a series documenting the construction of the Parisian Métro, and it underscores the city's rapid modernization at the turn of the century. The Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge across the Seine, serves as a backdrop to the construction site, symbolizing the intersection of old and new Paris. Dujardin's photograph is not just a neutral record; it's an assertion of the modern era. It invites viewers to consider the social implications of this urban transformation, prompting questions about progress, displacement, and the changing face of Parisian life. To fully grasp the photograph's meaning, we need to delve into the archives, exploring city plans, engineering reports, and social surveys. Through these historical documents, we gain a richer understanding of the Pont Neuf photograph and the visual codes of progress it employs.