Forest at Saint-Cloud 1859 - 1860

Louis-Rémy Robert made this photograph, Forest at Saint-Cloud, using a waxed paper negative, a relatively new technology in nineteenth-century France. This image reflects a shift in how the French viewed and engaged with nature, moving away from strictly manicured gardens towards an appreciation for wilder, more natural landscapes. Saint-Cloud, near Paris, was historically a royal domain, but by the 1850s, it was becoming a popular space for public leisure, mirroring broader social changes. Robert’s choice to photograph the forest is not just an aesthetic one; it reflects the democratization of nature and the growing middle-class interest in outdoor recreation. Understanding this artwork requires us to consider the institutional context of photography itself. Early photography was often seen as a scientific tool, but artists quickly recognized its potential for artistic expression. By examining photographic journals, exhibition records, and other documents, we can better understand the cultural status of photography and its relationship to the established art world.