Pavillon Colbert in het Palais du Louvre c. 1857

Edouard Baldus made this photograph of the Pavillon Colbert at the Palais du Louvre using the waxed paper negative process. He would have painstakingly coated paper with wax to make it translucent, then applied a light-sensitive emulsion. Think of the work that went into this image. The Louvre wasn’t just snapped as a fleeting moment; it was carefully composed and exposed. The final print would have required further labor-intensive darkroom processes. What sets Baldus apart is how he elevated industrial photography to art. This wasn't a casual snapshot, but a conscious artistic act. He worked at a time when photography was transforming from a scientific tool to a means of artistic expression. By emphasizing process, we understand how photography, like any craft, is deeply intertwined with human labor, skill, and intention. This allows us to challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.