Gezicht op Château Latour in Pauillac, Frankrijk before 1867

Alfred Danflou produced this photograph of Château Latour in Pauillac, France using an albumen silver print process. The image offers a glimpse into the world of elite French wine production. Château Latour, a prestigious Bordeaux estate, symbolizes centuries of tradition and wealth tied to the land. The tower and surrounding buildings evoke a sense of established power, rooted in the specific geographical and economic conditions of the region. This can be seen in the late nineteenth century, when the French wine industry was experiencing a period of prosperity and global recognition, so the image would have been a source of national pride. Analyzing this image, and others like it, allows us to explore the complex relationship between art, commerce, and cultural identity. By studying archival materials, historical accounts, and economic data, we can better understand the social forces that shaped both the production and reception of this image, and indeed the French wine industry itself.