[Rustic Building with Man under Trellis] 1851 - 1855

André Giroux's *Rustic Building with Man under Trellis* (1851-1855) is a striking example of early photography's ability to capture the beauty of everyday life. The image portrays a rustic building, a trellis, and a man sitting underneath, revealing Giroux's interest in capturing the essence of rural life and the beauty of the natural world. The photo's composition is simple yet effective, with the building and trellis providing a sense of depth and framing the man in the center, creating a sense of intimacy and quiet contemplation. This calotype print, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, demonstrates Giroux's skill in capturing detail and texture, making the stone walls, the foliage, and the man's clothing appear tangible.