Gezicht op een deel van het Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Parijs na de brand door de Commune van Parijs before 1875

This photograph, taken by JR, shows the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris, after it was damaged in a fire during the Paris Commune. This albumen print shows a moment in the history of a building, but also in the history of photography. This was a widely used process in the 19th century, involving coating paper with egg white and then light-sensitive chemicals. The albumen gave the prints a glossy surface, enhancing the details and tonal range. The photographic process allows us to appreciate the materiality of the Palais, the way the fire has scarred the stone, and the rough texture of the debris. It also gives a sense of the labour involved in its construction. Photography, like other forms of making, has its own inherent qualities and cultural significance, and through it, the artist provides insight into the political context. The photograph captures the destruction of the Palais, and prompts us to consider the wider social issues of conflict, class, and political upheaval. The photograph serves as a reminder of the power of materials and making to engage with history.