Big City Life

The interest in depicting urban life began with post-impressionist artists. During the 1870s Degas became fascinated by scenes from contemporary life and it is not difficult to imagine him sitting in a crowded café observing sitters at neighboring tables engaged in eager conversations. The artist liked to explore cafés, theatres, and various encountering places where different social classes overlapped and social barriers were broken down. Such situations gave him psychological insights that illustrated the reality of the human condition in late-nineteenth-century urban France. 

Lately, socializing, enjoying late drinks and feverish conversations, has turned into a memory from a previous life. Hopefully, our lives will soon resume the normal rhythm but in the meanwhile, we’ve put together a selection of art to keep us entertained and to remind us that life in the bustling city is full of joyful moments.