Lyon, Viaduc du Rhône 1860 - 1862

Edouard Baldus's "Lyon, Viaduc du Rhône," a stunning example of 19th century French photography, captures the grandeur of the Viaduc du Rhône bridge in Lyon. This striking image, taken between 1860 and 1862, showcases Baldus's masterful use of light and composition. The bridge's elegant arches, framed by the calm waters of the Rhône, dominate the scene, emphasizing its structural beauty and engineering prowess. Baldus's keen eye for detail is evident in the intricate stonework and the distant cityscape, creating a sense of depth and scale that immerses the viewer in the scene. This photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies the growing importance of photography as a medium for documenting and celebrating urban development in the 19th century.