Versailles, Coin de Parc 1902

Eugène Atget's "Versailles, Coin de Parc" (1902) captures the serene beauty of the gardens at the Palace of Versailles. This photo, a prime example of Atget's "Documents for Artists" series, showcases the meticulous details of the French landscape, from the sculptures adorning the pathways to the carefully trimmed hedges and the still waters of the reflecting pond. Atget's work as a documentarian is evident in the precise composition, highlighting the grandeur of the gardens while retaining a sense of realism that would have been valued by artists of the time. This photograph, now residing at the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the historical and artistic significance of this iconic location.