Zandweg 1773 - 1843

Georges Michel created "Zandweg", or "Sandy Road", using graphite, sometime between 1776 and 1843. Michel was known for his landscapes, but unlike the idealized pastoral scenes of his contemporaries, Michel found beauty in the unadorned outskirts of Paris. Here, we see a stark, almost barren scene. What stories can we imagine for those figures in the center of the image? Their presence adds a human element, suggesting themes of labor, travel, and community. Michel's choice to depict this scene breaks with the traditional romanticized views of the French countryside. In his landscapes, he captured the raw, untamed aspects of nature, reflecting a shift towards realism and the inclusion of everyday life in art. What does it mean to find beauty in the overlooked? "Zandweg" invites us to consider the value and dignity of those on the margins.