An Insiders View of 19th Century Paris: Even the Urinals

"A city under construction — and destruction — is currently on view at the National Gallery of Art in Washington. 'Charles Marville: Photographer of Paris' is a collection of 19th-century photographs of one of the world's most beloved cities as it transitioned from medieval architectural hodgepodge to what became the City of Light."

"The images were taken by photographer Charles Marville, who, according to a 1854 self-portrait, was short — a bit under 5 feet 2 inches — with a flowing moustache, blue eyes and a little bit of a potbelly."

"With his large-format 8-by-10 camera, glass plates and natural light, Marville captured a sepia-toned Paris."