Untitled 1857

Gustave Le Gray's "Untitled" (1857), a salted paper print, shows a line of artillerymen standing at attention near their cannons. The photograph, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, is a remarkable example of Le Gray's mastery of the calotype process. The sharp detail and evocative use of light are hallmarks of his work, which helped elevate photography as an art form. The image captures a moment of military discipline and order, highlighting the tension between the quiet landscape and the ordered formations of the soldiers.