Charles Marville (Charles François Bossu) is best known for his evocative photographs of Paris during a period of radical transformation. As the official photographer for the city of Paris, he documented both the medieval streets and the sweeping urban renewal projects led by Baron Haussmann under Napoleon III. His images provide an invaluable visual record of the city’s architectural evolution, capturing the contrast between the disappearing old quarters and the newly constructed boulevards, parks, and public spaces.

Originally trained as an illustrator, Marville turned to photography around 1850 and quickly gained recognition for his meticulous architectural studies and landscapes. His mastery of composition and technical precision allowed him to create images that were both aesthetically refined and historically significant. In 1862, he was appointed as the official photographer of Paris, tasked with documenting the city’s transformation. Marville’s work focused on the narrow, winding streets and centuries-old buildings that were soon to be demolished, preserving a glimpse of pre-modern Paris before it was irrevocably altered. He also captured Haussmann’s innovations, including gas lamps, kiosks, fountains, and public urinals, which signaled a new era of urban design.

Marville’s photographs are celebrated not only for their artistic quality but also for their role in chronicling one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects of the 19th century. His work remains an essential historical resource, offering a window into a Paris that no longer exists and shedding light on the forces that shaped the modern city. His photographs are held in major collections, including those of the Musée Carnavalet, The Getty Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.