Viaduc de la Voulte 1861 - 1862

This 19th-century photograph by French photographer Edouard Baldus depicts the "Viaduc de la Voulte" - a bridge built over the Rhône River in southeastern France. The detail of the bridge's structural support and the small town of La Voulte-sur-Rhône in the background are captured in a crisp, clear image, highlighting the technical skill and aesthetic value of early photography. The work exemplifies Baldus's contributions to the development of landscape and architectural photography. The image, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, serves as a historical snapshot of the era, showcasing the infrastructure advancements and the artistry of the burgeoning photographic medium.