Marseille 1860 - 1862

Edouard Baldus's "Marseille" (1860-1862) is a striking example of 19th-century photography, showcasing the bustling port city of Marseille, France. The image captures the vastness of the harbor, filled with numerous ships, and a lighthouse standing guard at its entrance. The distant city skyline, framed by rolling hills, adds a sense of depth and scale to the composition. Baldus was a pioneer in the use of the calotype process, which created a soft, ethereal tone to the photograph, highlighting the city's grandeur. This photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a historical glimpse into a pivotal moment in French maritime history.