The Beach at Sainte-Adresse 1856 - 1857

"The Beach at Sainte-Adresse" is a striking example of a calotype photograph, a process pioneered by William Henry Fox Talbot in the 1840s. Gustave Le Gray, known for his coastal landscapes, captures the French coastline with remarkable clarity, showcasing the expansive beach and the distant horizon. The image is framed by a series of small buildings along the shore, offering a sense of scale and highlighting Le Gray's mastery of composition. The photograph is held at The Art Institute of Chicago, offering viewers a glimpse into the early days of photography as a medium for capturing realism.