Marseille 1856 - 1860

Edouard Baldus's "Marseille" (1856-1860) is a striking example of early photographic documentation, showcasing the impact of the railway on the bustling port city of Marseille. Baldus, a pioneer of architectural photography, captures a detailed, bird's-eye view of a railway yard, emphasizing the network of tracks, train cars, and surrounding infrastructure. The clarity of detail and crispness of the image reflect Baldus's mastery of the calotype process, highlighting his commitment to portraying reality with accuracy. This photograph, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a window into the industrial transformation of 19th-century France.