The term flâneur originates from 19th-century France. It captures the essence of an urban wanderer who strolls through the city, observing life with a detached yet curious eye. Often associated with the transformation of Paris during the mid-1800s, particularly under Haussmann’s massive urban redesign.
Charles Baudelaire, the French poet and cultural critic, popularised the concept in his writings, portraying the flâneur as both an observer and a participant in the dynamic tapestry of city life. To Baudelaire, the flâneur was a “stroller of the city streets”. He would embrace the fleeting beauty and chaos of the modern metropolis while remaining emotionally removed from it. This figure became emblematic of the modern individual, navigating the intersections of art, society, and consumerism.
To capture the fleeting moments of contemporary urban life
As Emile Zola described Caillebotte as “a painter of the very modern school, with a boldness of execution and a wealth of realism that is both captivating and disconcerting.” In “Paris Street; Rainy Day”, Zola might have admired how Caillebotte immortalised the grand boulevards and bustling atmosphere of Haussmann’s Paris, depicting the alienation and elegance of modern city living with striking precision. This work and Zola’s critique illustrate a tension between art and reality, a central theme for Impressionists and Realists alike during that transformative era.
To simply stand and stare and let the city envelope you
The flâneur’s role extended beyond mere wandering; they became interpreters of urban life, documenting and critiquing its transformations. Today, the concept remains a metaphor for mindful observation in an increasingly fast-paced world.
Enter stage right the flaneuse, the female equivalent of the flaneur. She has gained recognition in recent years. Our flâneuse has become a powerful figure in feminist discourse, representing a woman who claims her right to occupy and observe public space on her own terms. Writers such as Lauren Elkin have explored the concept. Her book Flâneuse: Women Walk the City in Paris, New York, Tokyo, Venice, and London highlights the ways women have redefined urban exploration. The flâneuse embodies a modern reclamation of agency and freedom in the city.
A stroller of the city streets
I too have embraced the idea of becoming a stroller. I aim to capture details of buildings and fleeting moments as I observe them. Whether I’m visiting a city of skyscrapers, an historic site or an exotic place full of colour I try to take time to stroll, look and really observe my surroundings. Maybe it’s the art historian following in the footsteps of the Impressionists or just my curious mind. I’ve seen this too in the artists I work with at Life: Full Colour gallery like Amanda Webster and Jill Jones FRSA. You can see how they capture a real moment just as Caillebotte.
Taking time to slow down and look amidst the throng can be a truly restorative experience. I highly recommend it and Lauren Elkin’s book as a guide.
Thoughts by Sara McKee FRSA – Pink Haired Art Dealer
