[Church of Saint-Honorat, Arles] 1862 - 1866

Edouard Baldus, a prominent French photographer, captured the ruins of the Church of Saint-Honorat in Arles, France, in this 1862-1866 stereoscopic photograph. This image, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, showcases the decaying beauty of the ancient church. The photograph's detail allows viewers to witness the architectural grandeur of the church, highlighting its prominent bell tower and intricate archways. The ruins, presented in a starkly realistic manner, convey the passage of time and the fragility of human creations. Baldus's work exemplifies the importance of early photographic documentation of historical structures, reminding us of their significance and vulnerability.