Durance, Viaduc 1855 - 1859

Editor: So, this is Édouard Baldus's "Durance, Viaduc," an albumen print from somewhere between 1855 and 1859. It’s quite striking; there's a real stillness to the composition, even with the rather unkempt landscape in the foreground. What jumps out at you when you look at this image? Curator: Stillness is a good word. I feel as though Baldus is playing with a certain Roman grandeur while also subtly highlighting the marks of industry encroaching upon it. You notice those strangely positioned vertical linear forms breaking the skyline—they seem utilitarian and a bit jarring against the smooth, classic lines of the arches. Almost like modern exclamation points questioning ancient poise. What do you think he's trying to express with that juxtaposition? Editor: Maybe it’s about the march of progress? Like, the viaduct represents classical engineering, and those… telegraph poles, I think they are… are a sign of a faster, connected future? Curator: Precisely! Or maybe, *imprecisely*! I wonder if he also wants us to ponder about what will remain—of the ancient AND modern worlds? Look at the deliberate centering of the viaduct – almost demanding that we see it, monumental, built to last. But then notice how everything around it, the river, the plants, even those nascent technological spires, look flimsy by comparison. Don’t they whisper “impermanence”? Editor: Hmmm, interesting thought! So, is he contrasting permanence and impermanence through the classic architecture versus natural environment, or permanence of classic achitecture versus temporary nature of modernity? Curator: Both! Aren't all photos about holding a moment captive? Maybe it's just that inherent wish to suspend things passing that got gloriously captured with such artistry in the bridge's stoicism. Either way, I think this seemingly simple picture is trying to speak across time, inviting our interpretation as its relevance inevitably shifts. Editor: Wow. I had been focusing solely on that immediate stillness, but I am seeing now a play between endurance and fragility! It makes the photo much more poetic. Thanks!