In front of a Shop (Window)

In 1865 Barvitius went to France, where he became acquainted with new trends and schools that substantially modified his understanding of art. This small genre picture from Paris, with its characteristic free brushwork, reflexes of light and warm colours is actually a sketch of a moment in city life. The shop-windows illuminated with gaslight are symbols of a new atmosphere and of a city life-style - its elegance and modern life fascinated many subsequent generations of artists.