Footbridge Near Chingford c. 1880s

"Footbridge Near Chingford" is a platinum print created by English photographer Peter Henry Emerson, c. 1880s. This photo is an example of Emerson's "naturalistic" style, which aimed to capture the beauty of nature without artistic manipulation. The image showcases a simple, rural scene, with a focus on the soft light and subtle details of the landscape. Emerson’s choice of a platinum printing process emphasizes the soft tones and subtle details of the scene. This photograph, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, offers a glimpse into the unspoiled beauty of the English countryside as seen through the lens of a pioneering photographer.