Arles, Porte des Châtaignes 1850 - 1854

"Arles, Porte des Châtaignes" is a calotype photograph by Charles Nègre, taken between 1850 and 1854. The image captures a view of the Porte des Châtaignes, a historic gateway in Arles, France. The photograph showcases Nègre's mastery of the calotype process, a pioneering photographic technique that produced detailed and evocative images. The composition emphasizes the architectural details of the gateway and the surrounding cityscape, showcasing the technical innovation of the time, capturing the atmosphere of the city in a realistic manner. The photograph is a testament to Nègre's contribution to the early development of photography as a form of artistic expression, and its inclusion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection highlights its significance in the history of the medium.