Route de baulieu 1773 - 1843

Georges Michel created this drawing of Route de Baulieu with graphite. Michel was known in France in the late 18th and early 19th century for his landscapes, many of which feature the outskirts of Paris. Here, a long road stretches towards the horizon, lined with buildings and populated by figures and carts. The sketch-like quality gives us a sense of the everyday life in a specific location. The “route” implies connections, commerce, and the movement of people – all part of the social and economic fabric of the time. As a social historian, I might research the historical significance of the Route de Baulieu. Was it a major trade route? How did it contribute to the local economy? By studying such images, we can gain insight into the daily lives of people in 18th and 19th century France and the infrastructures that supported their communities.