Gezicht op het Kasteel van Fontainebleau 1887 - 1900

This is a photograph of the Château de Fontainebleau in France, taken at an unknown date by X phot. The photograph shows the palace reflected in the lake that lies between the grounds, creating a striking image that captures the grandeur of the building, and the elegance of the landscape. The Château de Fontainebleau began as a medieval castle and served as a residence for the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III. It's a symbol of French royalty, power, and cultural heritage. Photography in the 19th century served a documentary purpose, but it also shaped how buildings were viewed and understood by the wider public. Examining the archives of photographic collections and studying the Château's history, we can understand the intersection of photography, royal heritage, and French national identity.