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French soldiers and Bouquinistes along the Seine, WW1
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French soldiers and Bouquinistes along the Seine, WW1
French soldiers and Bouquinistes along the Seine, Paris, watercolour by Mary Ethel Hunter, First World War.
1917
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23056292
© Liss Fine Art / Mary Evans Picture Library
Bouquinistes Ethel Hunter Seine Stall Bouquiniste
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative watercolour painting by Mary Ethel Hunter captures a poignant moment in Parisian life during the First World War. The Seine River, once a bustling hub of activity, now serves as a backdrop to the quiet solitude of French soldiers taking a break from the battlefield. The soldiers, dressed in their uniforms and carrying their equipment, sit on the pavement alongside the famed bouquinistes, or book sellers, of Paris. Their worn stalls, filled with an array of books, offer a stark contrast to the soldiers' weary expressions and the empty streets around them. The year was 1917, and the First World War had been raging for over three years. Paris, once a thriving cultural center, was now a shadow of its former self. The city's iconic bouquinistes, who had long made their living selling books from their stalls along the Seine, were among the many Parisians whose livelihoods had been disrupted by the war. Mary Ethel Hunter's painting beautifully captures the sense of resilience and determination that defined both the soldiers and the bouquinistes during this time. Despite the challenges of war, both groups continued to find solace and connection in the simple pleasures of life, whether it be the camaraderie of the soldiers or the joy of a good book for the bouquinistes and their customers. This watercolour painting is a poignant reminder of the ways in which ordinary people found meaning and connection amidst the chaos and hardships of war. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Paris and its people, and a reminder of the importance of finding joy and comfort in the small things, even in the most difficult of times.
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