[Still Life with Statuary] 1850 - 1855

Hippolyte Bayard's "Still Life with Statuary" (1850-1855) is a masterful example of early photography, showcasing his skill in capturing detail and depth. This still life, a genre popular in painting, features an assortment of classical sculptures, showcasing the artistic and intellectual interests of the time. The arrangement of the sculptures against a backdrop of draped fabric and shadows creates a sense of intimacy and evokes a sense of the studio, highlighting the artistic process. The work is an early example of photography as an art form. It is currently located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.