Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is, of course, one of the most famous and recognizable monuments in Paris. Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 after his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz to celebrate the military achievements of the French armies, the arch stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, at the juncture formed by twelve radiating avenues. With the lovely sunny weather, this is the perfect time of the year to go on a stroll to view the arch. But I can’t take too long. I have tennis to watch!

Silent Agitator

Silent Agitator by Scottish artist Ruth Ewan is a clock sculpture located off 24th street on the High Line. The “monumental” sculpture is based on an illustration originally produced by labor activist Ralph Chaplin for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) labor union. The illustration, a reference to the union’s round-the-clock organizing work and importance of the clock in labor negotiations including the fight for eight hour workdays, was one of many images that appeared on “stickerettes” (known as “silent agitators”) and distributed by union members. Ewan’s intention with the piece is to “provide a gathering space on the High Line, evoking the private vs. public separation of space and time we experience in capitalism, and a possible future where people gather together for their reclamation.”