Working for a penny: Eugène Atget immortalises the small trades of the Belle Époque

In the 19th century, the streets of towns and cities were the working grounds of what are known as ‘small trades’, modest but essential activities in neighbourhood life. Ragmen, tinkerers, pimpernel, shoelace and lampshade merchants carried out hard work that, although bringing in very little income, helped to supplement household incomes.

Over the course of the twentieth century, these trades gradually disappeared, victims of industrialisation and the boom in department stores. These activities, now seen as picturesque, were immortalised in the photographs of Eugène Atget, contributing to the nostalgic view of the Belle Époque.

Exhibition in the gardens of the Villa du Temps retrouvé, from 7 May to 10 November 2025 – Free admission

Visual : Eugène Atget (1857-1927), Marchande de poissons, place Saint-Médard (5e ardt, Paris), Extrait de Vie et métiers à Paris. Épreuve positive sur papier albuminé d’après négatif sur verre au gélatinobromure. Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Estampes et photographie, PET FOL-OA-615 (2)