Gezicht op de Boulevard Saint-Martin in Parijs c. 1850 - 1880

Adolphe Block’s stereograph captures a view of the Boulevard Saint-Martin in Paris, constructed using a photographic process popular in the 19th century. The composition features a long, receding perspective that draws the eye into the depths of the Parisian street. The sepia tones create a sense of nostalgia, while the texture captures the detailed architecture and bustling street life. The formal arrangement divides the scene into distinct horizontal layers: the foreground sidewalk, the busy street, and the towering buildings, each contributing to the overall sense of depth. This structure invites us to consider how urban space is organized and experienced. The photograph presents a structured view of Parisian modernity. It prompts us to think about how this new technology framed and interpreted the rapidly changing urban landscape. It is a fascinating intersection of art, technology, and urban life.