Beech Tree, Forest of Fontainebleau c. 1856

"Beech Tree, Forest of Fontainebleau" is a classic example of the landscape photography of Gustave Le Gray. Created around 1856, the image depicts a single beech tree, its roots exposed in the foreground, surrounded by a grove of trees in the background. The photograph captures the beauty of the natural world with a sharp focus and a clear composition. The soft, diffused light gives the image a dreamlike quality, while the detailed depiction of the bark and leaves highlights Le Gray's mastery of the photographic process. This photograph is considered a significant work in the history of photography, demonstrating the medium's ability to capture the beauty of the natural world.