Versailles, Trianon, (Coin de Parc) 1902

This photograph of Versailles was taken by Eugène Atget. It's a gelatin silver print, a process that would have been quite common at the time, but still required a deep understanding of chemistry and optics. Consider how Atget carefully framed this shot, emphasizing the contrast between the stone bust and the organic forms of the surrounding trees. The bust itself, likely carved by a skilled artisan, represents classical ideals of beauty and order. Yet, Atget captures it in a state of gentle decay, almost reclaimed by nature. This image reflects the social context of early 20th-century France, a time of rapid industrialization and social change. While Versailles symbolized the opulence of the old regime, Atget's photograph suggests a more nuanced view, questioning the relationship between art, nature, and the passage of time. It blurs the lines between documentary photography and artistic expression, highlighting the beauty of everyday life.