It was 1889 when Gustave Eiffel’s vision had finally been completed. The Eiffel Tower was finalized and standing as the tallest building in the world; yet the Parisians were furious. This monument was unwanted to begin with and after it was built the people still wished for it to be taken down. One would not imagine that such an iconic tower was ever despised by its people. The Eiffel Tower has had a journey that few people are aware of. The visual images are used to depict the journey the tower. They begin in black and white making the tower appear bland and then they turn to colorful images to show the beauty and change of heart the people of Paris experienced. These visual images use color, their position, and background to exemplify the feeling the tower conveyed to the those who saw it.

When the people of Paris first learned that a tower was going to be built in the center of their city, they were enraged. That is why the first image chosen was a one of the images used to mock Gustave’s tower. The image is first used just to poke fun at Gustave himself. He is given an extremely large head to show that he was selfish and cocky. They artist of this image wanted to convey the message that he thought Gustave was fool and he did so by placing Gustave in the center, with a large head, and making him as big as the tower. By doing each of these things he is showing the viewers that no one is fond of him and he is egotistical for attempting to create something like this. The artist also chose to make this a minimal painting with Gustave and the tower at the core to truly focus on the fact that all Gustave cared about was the tower. Then by showing Gustave grabbing the tower it appears that he is greedy and he is attached to the tower. This image was made to harm Gustave’s image and it was an attempt to halt any plans of furthering the tower. Despite this artists’ effort and many others that tried; nothing could cease the plans for the Eiffel tower. The second image is used to show that the tower could not be stopped and it was being built. This image is also in black in white because the bland colors make it unappealing to the eye. Once again, the tower is centered and nothing else is in the shot to draw one’s eye to it so the only focus is on the tower. This image was also taken with the tower only partial completed in order to display that it is not yet completed and it looks terrible. The visible steel beams and wires make it look in poor condition. The goal was to make this tower appear like an ugly, waste of money and resources; and that is just what the photographer achieved.

At the time of the third image, it is 1889 and the Eiffel Tower has been completed, but just because it is there and standing tall it doesn’t mean the people are wanting to accept it. This image, like the others have the tower as the main focus. What is different with this picture is it has a much more elaborate background that the previous images. In this you can see the surrounding city. This image shows how the tower surpasses all the buildings and by a large amount too. The image shows how there is nothing like this around; nothing even comes close to its height. In the image it appears that the tower is even touching the clouds. The image could have been taken to make it look like it’s touching the clouds so it could be frowned upon that man would try and create something so lanky and gigantic. This picture is once again in black and white because the tower is still seen as bland and unappreciated. The darkness of the three beginning photos symbolizes the darkness the Parisians felt in their heart for this tower.  This photo was also used to begin to transition into a lighter era of the tower. This was the last black and white photo because from after a few years of it being completed the people of Paris changed their minds about this once villainous tower.

Now that the Eiffel Tower is starting to no longer be viewed as a hateful object the next few images are used to show how magnificent it is. The fourth image has the Eiffel tower standing tall with a beautiful background of the sky and landscaper surrounding it. This image differs from the previous images because it includes people in the photo. This reason for choosing a photo with people in it is to emphasize the popularity of the tower. In the image you can see the crowds that gather to go and visit. This people in this show the journey from the hated tower to the popular tourist attraction that it is recognized today. This picture still has the Eiffel tower in the center to make still make it the main focus of the image. Now that it is clear the tower is appreciated and respected, the next photo is used to show the view from the tower. This image is in color as well because it is used to show the beauty of the city that is visible from the tower. This image is included because this view can only be achieved by getting to the top of the tower. This is no small feat and many people travel the world to make the claim that they not only saw the Eiffel tower, but they made it to the top. This image helps show what made the tower such an incredible sight and why it was eventually loved. The final image is the illuminated tower at night. This image shows the versatility of the tower and how even the darkness of night cannot stop it from being the most recognizable building. This picture is in color to really highlight the lit tower. This picture is taken from a different angle showing the tower soaring into the clouds. This picture gives a different view and how truly gorgeous it is at all angles.

Every single image that is used shows the journey of the Eiffel Tower, from a seemingly terrible idea to one of the most visited monuments in the world. The opening photos are in black in white to show how plain in dull it appeared at this time. Then, when the first photo with color appears it makes the tower look beautiful and adored. The transition from an unwelcomed structure to a magnificent monument is incredible and displayed through the presented images.
