Whether one likes it or not, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris, or even of France.  This year marks the Tower's 120th anniversary after the opening in 1889.  It is well known that there was much criticism in Paris against it both before and after its construction.  Guy de Maupassant, for example, hated seeing it so much he frequently ate at a restaurant at the Tower so he could avoid the view of it.

Although I personally know a few visitors to Paris who, like Maupassant, think it is just an eyesore and never want to go there, many other visiting tourists have a different opinion.  That there is always a long line of people waiting to go up attests its popularity (I've never been to the top, but it has more to do with my aversion to the act of waiting).

Once the world's tallest structure at over 300m, the Tower can be seen from many parts of Paris and is a number-one sight-seeing spot.  But here in a tree-lined residential street, just steps away from the Tower, it has been just a quiet neighbor... for the last 120 years.


Old Neighbor, Paris, France

Click here for a larger view of this painting.

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 21 x 14 in. (53 x 36 cm)
Purchase: Sold