Saint Maclou de Rouen Possibly 1854 - 1855

This albumen silver print of Saint Maclou de Rouen was created by the Bisson Frères, active during the mid-nineteenth century. The Bisson Frères were pioneers of architectural photography during a time of significant urban transformation in France. With its towering facade viewed through the narrow streets, the photograph captures the grandeur of Gothic architecture. Yet, it also hints at the urban life that unfolds around it, with horse-drawn carts suggesting the everyday activities that persist in the shadow of these monumental structures. The emotional impact lies in its depiction of permanence against the backdrop of fleeting human existence. It makes us consider the relationship between architectural marvels and the individuals who inhabit and navigate the spaces around them, then and now. It's a delicate balance between the imposing and the intimate, and the sacred and the secular.