Répertoire encyclopédique de photographie : comprenant par ordre alphabétique tout ce qui a paru et paraît en France et à l'étranger depuis la découverte par Niepce et Daguerre. Tome 1 c. 1862 - 1866

This is the title page from Henri de la Blanchère’s first volume of the "Encyclopedic Directory of Photography," printed in Paris. At the top, observe the allegorical scene. Three women sit beneath a statue of a winged figure, perhaps an angel. This figure—let's call it "Photography Triumphant"—holds aloft what seems to be a laurel wreath or some other symbol of victory. This motif is found in different forms, from Nike of Samothrace to depictions of Fame in Renaissance paintings. What binds them? A celebration of achievement, innovation, and the human spirit. Think of the winged figures in classical sculpture: they symbolize not just victory, but also the aspiration towards something higher, an almost divine inspiration. Over time, the angel has shed its exclusively religious connotations, becoming a symbol of secular triumph, reflecting our collective desire for recognition and legacy. This engraving stirs in us the same deep, subconscious longing for recognition and transcendence. It speaks to the power of images to resonate across time, connecting us to a shared human experience.