Geoffroy-Dechaume's Angel of the eastern gable of Sainte-Chapelle 1851 - 1853

Auguste Mestral captured Geoffroy-Dechaume's Angel of the eastern gable of Sainte-Chapelle using a calotype negative. The sepia tones and soft focus give a sense of timelessness. The angel is presented as a study in contrasts. Sharp lines and the statue's smooth surface juxtapose the rough texture of the stone wall and debris at its base. The statue's verticality, emphasized by the cross, counters the horizontal lines of the building blocks. This interplay creates a visual tension, drawing the eye upwards. Mestral's approach is structural, stripping away extraneous detail to reveal the geometric forms. The calotype process, with its inherent imperfections, further abstracts the scene. This resonates with the mid-nineteenth century's emerging interest in capturing the essence of form, laying the groundwork for later artistic movements. The muted palette and simplified shapes encourage us to look beyond mere representation. The photograph prompts us to consider how the interplay of light, shadow, and form can evoke spiritual and emotional depth.