Gezicht op de Promenade des Anglais in Nice met links een pier c. 1889 - 1892

This photograph by Étienne Neurdein captures the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Without a specific date, we can still explore the image for insights into the social and cultural context of its time. The striking pier and ornate building extending into the sea immediately suggest leisure and entertainment as defining features of Nice. Neurdein's photograph points to the growth of tourism and the development of coastal resorts in the 19th century. The photograph is a product of its time, reflecting the growth of a leisure industry catering to the wealthy. Historical societies, local archives, and period newspapers could reveal more about the development of Nice as a tourist destination. Understanding the social forces behind it enhances our appreciation of this photograph. Art history isn't just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the world that shaped the image.