Thomas Shotter Boys, an engraver by trade is regarded as one of the greatest English watercolorists and lithographers of all time.  Essentially, Notre Dame, Paris From the Quai St. Bernard is one of his finest chromolithographs and shows the cathedral of Notre Dame from across the bank of the Seine River.  It successfully contrasts the solid blues and whites of the sky, with the tints of the buildings and the low grey form of Notre Dame.  Additionally, the lithograph maintains its picturesque theme with the pleasant skies and relaxing atmosphere.  Consequently, the harmonious color mixture also creates a realistic and serene portrayal of Parisian life. 

Primarily, Thomas Boys concerned his artwork not only with the topographic layout of the city, but also the diverse and energetic Parisian people.  Centering the view along the side of the river are the everyday figures of a busy woman and her daughter.  The other Parisians within the image are doing laundry in the river, a representation that also promotes Boys’ subject matter on the working class.  In effect, the many varied depictions independently add to the pleasant scene of the lithograph.  As a result, the Notre Dame, Paris From the Quai St. Bernard is part of 19th Century Paris’ art history and has won Thomas Boys much acclaim.
 
 

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Notre-Dame de Paris  A work in progress, an exploration in observing, experiencing, and understanding the 12/13th-century French gothic cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris.