Praalgraf van Napoleon in het Hôtel des Invalides, Parijs 1861 - 1885

Editor: Here we have a print from between 1861 and 1885 of Napoleon's tomb at the H\u00f4tel des Invalides in Paris. The composition, particularly the vantage point, makes it difficult to understand the relationship between the structures within the building. What do you see as important about the composition? Curator: The albumen print method here lends a tonal depth which allows a remarkable geometry to emerge; the composition’s power lies within the interplay between circles and orthogonals. Observe the way the central oculus frames the tomb itself. How does that placement affect your understanding of space in this work? Editor: Well, it’s disorienting because it flattens the space and you can't clearly tell where one part of the structure begins and the other ends. Curator: Precisely. The albumen print medium enhances this compression and pushes against traditional perspectival conventions. Editor: Are there particular elements of architecture that you consider central to the artistic intention? Curator: Note how the anonymous photographer plays with shadow and light to further articulate, almost sculpt, the architecture's form, directing the viewer's gaze. This focus draws our eye to specific textures. Do you think the artist wanted the viewer to ponder the architecture, Napoleon, or even photography itself? Editor: Photography, actually. It makes you notice all the components of this artwork in layers. Thanks! Curator: Yes, a closer look always reveals more.