Cathedrale de Chartres c. 1856 - 1857

"Cathedrale de Chartres" is a calotype photograph by Charles Nègre, taken in 1856–57. This work is a detailed view of the ornate facade of Chartres Cathedral, a prominent example of Gothic architecture. Nègre was a pioneer of photography, particularly in the realm of architectural subjects. His use of calotype, a photographic process that employed paper negatives, provides a rich, detailed depiction of the cathedral's intricate carvings and towering structure. The image also showcases Nègre's mastery of composition, with the symmetrical facade and the leading lines of the steps guiding the viewer's eye. This work is now part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.