Untitled c. 1850

Charles Marville's "Untitled" (c. 1850) is a striking example of early landscape photography. The image features a serene lake surrounded by lush trees, with a path winding along the water's edge. The composition, with its emphasis on natural beauty, is typical of the picturesque aesthetic popular in the 19th century. Marville, known for his photographic documentation of Paris, captures the tranquil atmosphere of this wooded scene with clarity and detail. This calotype print, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Marville's skillful use of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and tranquility.