Birth of the Modern City

An exploration of the 19th century urban landscape through images. While initially an extension of coursework for HIST 28903 offered at the University of Chicago, this blog also features interesting finds in the world of archival photography on the web.

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Photograph

Vue du Pere Lachaise (1829) via Gallica Consultation On the outskirts of the city, Pere Lachaise provided a re conception of the boundaries of the city. Though these cemeteries didn’t impact the city-center directly, they provided space for the reexamination of the city with a stroll overlooking Paris to the West. This boundary between Paris and its suburbs, bustle and solitude, between life and death created a new conception of the function of the city and its environs. Also, of note is the fact that pictured are many different types of visitors: a mother and child, a couple in fine dress — this type of cemetery was a relaxing escape from a dirty and bustling city (perhaps captured by the smokestack in the distance).

Vue du Pere Lachaise (1829) via Gallica Consultation

On the outskirts of the city, Pere Lachaise provided a re conception of the boundaries of the city. Though these cemeteries didn’t impact the city-center directly, they provided space for the reexamination of the city with a stroll overlooking Paris to the West. This boundary between Paris and its suburbs, bustle and solitude, between life and death created a new conception of the function of the city and its environs.

Also, of note is the fact that pictured are many different types of visitors: a mother and child, a couple in fine dress — this type of cemetery was a relaxing escape from a dirty and bustling city (perhaps captured by the smokestack in the distance).



April 23, 2009, 1:24pm