Fotografische reproductie van decoratie aan plafond, Hotel de Ville, Parijs 1852 - 1853

This photograph, "Fotografische reproductie van decoratie aan plafond, Hotel de Ville, Parijs," by Gustave Le Gray, is a reproduction of a decorative detail from the ceiling of the Hotel de Ville in Paris. Taken between 1852 and 1853, the image captures a scene likely from Roman history, with a figure in a toga addressing a crowd. The photograph is a testament to Le Gray's mastery of the calotype process, which allowed for detailed and nuanced representations of intricate scenes. This work showcases the developing field of photography in the 19th century and its ability to capture and document historical and architectural detail with precision.