Gezicht op het terrein van de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1900 in Parijs met rechts een reclame voor LU biscuits (Lefèvre Utile) 1900

M. Lambert’s photograph captures the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris, showcasing the spectacle through the lens of early photographic technology. The albumen print, a popular method at the time, uses paper coated with egg white to create a smooth surface for the photographic emulsion. This process increased the image's clarity and detail, enabling the viewer to observe the fair’s sprawling structures and bustling activity. The choice of this medium reflects a desire to document the event in a way that celebrated both technological progress and artistic precision. The photograph's focus on the LU biscuits advertisement is particularly telling. It highlights the increasing integration of commerce and culture. The ad, prominently displayed, suggests the growing importance of branding and mass consumption in shaping public spaces and experiences. This connection between industry and leisure was a defining feature of the World's Fair, reflecting the broader shift towards a consumer-driven society. By examining the materials and subjects within this photograph, we can understand the intersection of art, industry, and society at the turn of the century.