The photograph “91, rue de Turenne” was taken by Eugene Atget in 1911. This image features a close-up view of a carved wooden banister or handrail at the bottom of a staircase. The intricate carving includes elegant curves and details, reflective of the architecture and design sensibilities of the time. The staircase appears worn, with the edges of the steps rounded and smoothed, suggesting the passage of many feet over time. The composition of the photograph places the banister on the left side, with shadows playing across the steps which recede gently into the background. The wall to the right provides a backdrop that contrasts with the staircase, highlighting the woodwork that is the focal point of the image. This photograph is typical of Atget’s work, which often documented the architecture and street scenes of Paris in the early 20th century.
