Gezicht op de Seine te Parijs c. 1865 - 1875

Compagnie Photographique Debitte & Hervé created this photograph, "View of the Seine in Paris," using an albumen print, a process that defined early photography. The Parisian cityscape, with its bridges and buildings, speaks to a specific cultural and historical moment. Photography in 19th-century France wasn't just about documentation; it was deeply intertwined with social status and power. The rise of photography coincided with the rise of the bourgeoisie and a growing fascination with urban life. Here, the elevated perspective gives the viewer a sense of control and mastery over the city. This photo presents a carefully constructed image of Paris, reinforcing ideas of progress and order. The institutions of art, like the photographic societies, shaped what was considered "artistic" photography. Looking at publications, archives, and the history of these societies will reveal the cultural values and social norms reflected in this image. By studying these resources, we can understand how the seemingly simple act of photographing a landscape was loaded with social and political meaning.