[Still Life] 1850

"Still Life" by Louis-Rémy Robert (1810-1882), a salted paper print created in 1850, showcases the artist's skill in capturing detail and form through the medium of photography. The photograph, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, features the stark, isolated head of a cow, rendered in shades of brown against a dark backdrop. The subject is positioned on a simple, wooden platform, emphasizing its sculptural presence and adding an element of realism to the composition. Robert's keen eye for light and shadow further enhances the image, highlighting the texture of the cow's hide and the intricate details of its horns. This work stands as a significant example of early photographic artistry, demonstrating the power of the medium to capture the natural world with remarkable accuracy.