The artwork titled “Avenue du Maine (14th arr.), Paris” was created by Brassai in 1932. This photograph, which belongs to the Surrealism art movement, captures a moment in Paris and highlights the artistry inherent in everyday urban scenes.
The artwork transports viewers beneath a bridge, where sturdy, dark columns support an intricately patterned ceiling of beams. The scene is enveloped in shadows accentuated by patches of light filtering through, resulting in a dramatic chiaroscuro effect. At the center, amidst the architectural forms, stands a lone street lamp, drawing attention to its delicate structure in contrast to the robust pillars. In a distant background, two figures are visible in the dim light, providing a sense of scale and human presence amid the grand structural elements. The composition’s interplay of light, shadow, and geometric forms evokes the essence of the Surrealist movement, creating a dreamlike and contemplative atmosphere.
