The Clock Tower, St. Seurin, Bordeaux c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Auguste-Louis Lepère’s "The Clock Tower, St. Seurin, Bordeaux." It's a delicate pencil sketch, and it feels very immediate, like a snapshot. What can you tell us about the public role of art in Bordeaux at this time? Curator: Lepère captures a sense of place, but it's not just architectural. Think about the late 19th century: the rise of urban tourism, the interest in documenting city life. How does this image participate in constructing an image of Bordeaux for public consumption, both local and beyond? Editor: So, it's not just a pretty picture, but a promotion of Bordeaux's identity? Curator: Exactly. And consider how the sketch itself – the quick, informal lines – contributes to a sense of authentic experience, almost like a postcard. What is left out, or emphasized, tells us about the values being projected. Editor: I hadn't considered how even a simple sketch could be so politically charged! Thanks.