The Louvre, Viewed from the Pont-Neuf, plate thirteen from Le Long de la Seine et des Boulevards Possibly 1890 - 1910

"The Louvre, Viewed from the Pont-Neuf," was created by Auguste-Louis Lepère as a plate in the "Le Long de la Seine et des Boulevards" series, sometime between 1849 and 1918. Lepère’s detailed print captures the grandeur of Paris, but it also hints at the social fabric of the city. The figures along the Pont-Neuf provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of Parisians. Lepère, deeply involved in the revival of wood engraving, sought to represent modern life. Lepère was committed to depicting the experiences of ordinary people. His art offers a look into the lives of a diverse populace against the backdrop of one of the world's most iconic cities. The gaze of the people on the bridge looking toward the Louvre creates a sense of shared space and history. This print reflects the complicated relationship between the city's landmarks and its inhabitants. It invites us to consider who has access to the city and whose stories are told.