Versailles, Vase par Ballin 1905

Eugène Atget’s 1905 photograph, "Versailles, Vase par Ballin," exemplifies his documentary approach to photography. This silver print, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, captures a decorative, ornate vase in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Atget's focus on everyday objects, particularly those in Paris and its surrounding areas, reveals his keen interest in documenting the beauty of the commonplace. The image, with its sharp detail and subtle tonal shifts, is a testament to Atget's meticulous photographic style. The vase, with its intricate carvings and decorative patterns, stands as a symbol of the grandeur and artistic heritage of the French monarchy.