But this etching most convincingly portrays the new boulevard as a primordial power, like a force of nature.  It could almost be mistaken for a turbulent river. The question remains, then: will the Haussmannization of Paris revitalize the city, giving life to a modern utopia? Or will it simply destroy dependent subcultures and displace the poor? While present-day visitors stand in awe of Haussmann's modern Paris, contemporary critics mourned the capital's loss of identity and its transformation into a clone of lesser cities. The Paris inconnu of former generations had diminished to display its most beautiful perspectives glaringly like tacky, forward postcards, losing its sense of wonder and discovery.  Paris was reborn, but maybe not for the better.