Asile Impériale de Vincennes, la pharmacie 1858 - 1859

"Asile Impériale de Vincennes, la pharmacie" (1858-1859) by Charles Nègre is a striking example of 19th-century photographic realism. The circular composition, a hallmark of Nègre's work, captures a moment in the pharmacy of the Vincennes Asylum in Paris. The image showcases Nègre's adeptness in utilizing light and shadow to render detail and texture, particularly in the rows of medicine bottles lining the shelves. The two figures, likely pharmacists, add a sense of human scale to the scene, offering a glimpse into the daily routines of the institution. This photograph, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a powerful historical document, offering insight into the world of 19th-century medicine and institutional life.