A Wet Day on the Boulevard, Paris 1894

Alfred Stieglitz captured *A Wet Day on the Boulevard, Paris* using gelatin silver print, a medium that allowed for a high level of detail and tonal range. Looking at this image, you can almost feel the dampness in the air and the chill that penetrates to the bone. Stieglitz, born into a wealthy family, often explored the themes of urban life and the changing social landscapes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The figures hurrying through the rain, their faces obscured, suggest a sense of anonymity and isolation within the bustling city. At this time, photography was gaining acceptance as an art form. Stieglitz championed it as a means of artistic expression. He captured the emotional and atmospheric qualities of a scene, rather than simply documenting it. Note how the reflections on the wet pavement create a sense of depth and movement, drawing you into the heart of Paris on a day where even the city seems to be holding its breath.