Lyon, Gare de Perrache 1860 - 1862

Edouard Baldus made this photograph of the Gare de Perrache in Lyon, France, using a waxed paper negative. It's an image that invites us to consider the relationship between art, technology, and social progress in the mid-19th century. The photograph captures a moment of great optimism about industrial advancement. Railways were reshaping not only the landscape, but also the social and economic structures of Europe. Baldus, commissioned to document these changes, presents the train station as a symbol of modernity and connectivity. Yet, it is important to remember that the development of the railway system also had disruptive consequences for many communities. The historian can help us understand these complexities by researching the archives of railway companies, government records, and local histories, so that we can appreciate the full significance of this image.