Versailles, (Vase) 1905

Eugène Atget made this photograph of a vase in Versailles using his large-format camera, sometime in the early 20th century. Though Atget is known as a photographer, here it’s really the work of the unseen sculptor that grabs our attention. This is an image of craft, not just art. The vase, made from stone, likely marble, is impressive for its sheer scale and the labor involved in its production, from quarrying to carving, transportation and installation. Think about the number of skilled hands that would have touched the material. Look at the way the vase has weathered over the years. We can easily imagine it being worked with chisels and other hand tools. It embodies a long tradition of sculpture and stone carving, yet it also speaks to the politics of display. It reminds us that these objects, made by someone, were once placed in the gardens of Versailles to project power. The photo asks us to appreciate not just what is pictured, but how it was made, and what that making signifies.