Gezelschap in een automobiel, vermoedelijk in Lisieux 1898

This photograph by Delizy, taken in France at the turn of the 20th century, speaks to the societal shifts heralded by new technologies. The automobile, a symbol of modernity and progress, becomes a stage for social display. The men in the vehicle, dressed in formal attire and hats, convey a sense of bourgeois respectability and perhaps, even a touch of self-importance. In its time, the photograph was a novel method for capturing and disseminating images, influencing public perception and memory. The backdrop of what might be Lisieux suggests a specific regional context, inviting us to consider the impact of technological advancements on local communities. Historical archives, newspapers, and institutional records would provide further insight into the reception of automobiles and their role in shaping French society. Through interdisciplinary research, we recognize art’s role in reflecting the complex interplay between technology, social class, and cultural change.