Gezicht op twee straten en een hotel, met werkzaamheden voor de aanleg van de metro in Parijs Possibly 1897

Here we have a photograph by Emmanuel Pottier, capturing a Parisian street during the construction of the metro. The image is dominated by the stark contrast between the old and the new. On one side, we see the traditional architecture of the buildings, with their intricate facades and small windows, while on the other, we witness the modern infrastructure of the metro being built. These labourers remind us of the Cyclops—a symbol that has undergone a fascinating transformation. Originally associated with raw power and destruction, it has morphed through different cultural lenses, sometimes representing ignorance, other times, solitary contemplation. The presence of the old and the new in the image reflects a clash between tradition and progress. It also highlights the psychological tension between our desire for stability and our need for change. This tension engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, reflecting our own internal struggles. The image's power lies in its cyclical portrayal of history. Just as the Cyclops has been reinterpreted over time, Paris is also undergoing a transformation, shedding its old skin and embracing the future.