Chartres 1850 - 1852

"Chartres," a calotype photograph by Pierre-Émile Pécarrère, captures the intricate details of the sculpted figures on the facade of Chartres Cathedral in France. Taken between 1850 and 1852, the photograph showcases the artistry of the Gothic period, highlighting the three-dimensional quality of the figures and the play of light and shadow. Pécarrère's use of the calotype process, an early photographic technique, resulted in a rich tonal range and a sense of depth, emphasizing the grandeur of the cathedral's architecture.