Rue Notre-Dame, Paris

After having gained a reputation with his harbour scenes along the coast of Normandy, Jongkind turned in the summer of 1866 to other subject matter – the reconstruction and expansion of Paris. In this street scene, he concentrated on the play of brilliant sunlight and powerful shadows, using light tints and swift, loose brushstrokes. This new, sunny tonality and modern subject matter were later taken up by the Impressionists.