Scene of People in a Café (A Street in Paris) c. 20th century

Editor: This is Pierre-Eugène Clairin's "Scene of People in a Café," or "A Street in Paris," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like a quick sketch, capturing a bustling Parisian scene. What can you tell me about the societal context of such a depiction? Curator: This work offers a glimpse into the democratization of leisure. Cafés became vibrant social spaces, and capturing these scenes reflected a shift towards depicting everyday life. How do you think the artist’s choices influenced the viewer's perspective on this social shift? Editor: Interesting! I hadn't considered it as documentation of a cultural shift. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. It highlights how art reflects and shapes social perceptions.