The field of maneuvers in Châlons-sur-Marne by Gustave Le Gray

The field of maneuvers in Châlons-sur-Marne 1857

cardboard, albumen-print, paper

cardboard

albumen-print

natural shape and form

16_19th-century

water colours

natural tone

snowscape

landscape

charcoal drawing

possibly oil pastel

paper

france

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

building

shadow overcast

"The field of maneuvers in Châlons-sur-Marne" is a 1857 photograph by Gustave Le Gray showcasing the French military's training grounds near Châlons-sur-Marne. The photograph captures the vastness of the training ground, with a long line of tents in the distance, suggesting a significant military presence. Le Gray, a pioneer of landscape photography, employs a sharp focus and meticulous detail to create a realistic depiction of the site, highlighting the impact of military activities on the landscape. This photograph reflects the growing importance of photography in documenting events and the evolution of military practices in the mid-19th century.

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stadelmuseum over 1 year ago

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Gustave Le Gray belonged to the circle of photographers, regularly commissioned by Napoleon III to document his prestige projects. Public manoeuvres and displays at the newly built military base at Châlons-sur-Marne northeast of Paris served the military self-representation of the Second Empire. For his panorama of the great exercise field, Le Gray required six individual shots, which he then carefully cut and assembled to achieve the impression of seamless continuity. His selection of detail with the central horizon line further emphasizes the ample space of the terrain.