In the second half of the nineteenth century, the urban fabric of Brussels changed radically. The River Senne was covered and broad new boulevards cut through the city along the path of the old city walls. As in Paris during the same period, medieval areas of Brussels were demolished and modernized. While still important for commerce, canals were surpassed by railroads as the primary mode of transportation. Crépin’s painting captures a moment in the city’s history that will soon be lost. After years of neglect, Brussels is reclaiming the canal district.