Water Tanks Outside of Annex, Paris Exposition Universelle 1855

Charles Thurston Thompson's 1855 calotype photograph, "Water Tanks Outside of Annex, Paris Exposition Universelle," captures the industrial landscape of the 19th century. The photograph depicts a row of water tanks, likely part of the infrastructure for the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1855, a major international exhibition. The image showcases the growing importance of technology and infrastructure in the 19th century, offering a glimpse into a period marked by rapid industrialization and innovation. The photographer's keen eye captures the detail of the tanks, the surrounding structures, and the figures standing in the foreground, creating a sense of both scale and human presence within the industrial setting.