How to Look #5: Paris, in transition

It's a common story line, an inherent part of the modern, urban experience---- corporations and wealthy developers tear down beloved spaces and replace them with cheap, homogeneous apartments and franchised storefronts. The loss of these beloved and often historically-significant spaces can be difficult for communities to stomach. Soulless development projects have been similarly chronicled by writers and bloggers of every major city.

But what happens in fifty years, after redevelopment has taken place? Do we learn to love these new establishments, and re familiarize ourselves within a new urban landscape?

Paris occupies a very special place in the hearts and minds of many all over the world. Tree-lined boulevards, étoiles, and numerous parks on each side of the Seine make Paris one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However, the city of lights once went through a renovation of its own. During the 2nd Empire, Napoleon, envisioned a new, modern Paris. In an effort to beautify Paris and prevent revolution, Napolean commissioned Baron Haussmann to completely flatten and reconstruct the city. Haussmann's renovations placed Paris as the center of grandeur, class, and power in the modern world.

The Paris of today, beloved for its charm and beauty, was hated by many Parisians who witnessed the demolition and recreation of their city. The destruction and urban renewal of the city was recorded by many artists residing in Paris at the time.

The French artist Maxime Lalanne worked mainly in black and white etchings, preferring prints to painting. Lalanne captured the decaying streets and disappearing buildings of Paris with precision. The prints immortalize the atmosphere and spirit of a city in enormous transition. While documentary in nature, the images are ghostly, traces of human activity haunt the viewer. The lines quiver and curve ever so slightly, creating the illusion that the buildings are on the verge of collapse.

Maxime Lalanne, Rue des Marmousets, c. 1862-1863

Maxime Lalanne, Demolitions for the Opening of the Boulevard St. Germain, c. 1862

Maxime Lalanne, Rue des Marmousets, (Old Paris), c. 1862-63

If you are interested in learning more, I would recommend "Paris Reborn: Napoléon III, Baron Haussmann, and the Quest to Build a Modern City" by Stephane Kirkland