Gezicht op huizen en daken before 1893

This black and white photograph of houses and roofs was made by M. Méheux in 1881. It appears in a journal, to illustrate an article about lensless photography. The image offers us an interesting insight into the rise of photography as a scientific and artistic practice in the late 19th century. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, institutions like scientific journals played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and shaping perceptions of new media. The photograph captures the rooftops of what might be Paris. The choice of subject matter—ordinary buildings and urban scenes—reflects a broader movement towards documenting everyday life. The image calls into question the function of photography as an objective recorder of reality versus the artistic value of creating images through new technologies. Examining the image allows us to appreciate the complex interplay between art, science, and society in shaping our understanding of the world around us. Further research into photographic journals of the time might shed light on its production.