Gezicht op Mantes-la-Jolie met de Notre Dame de Mantes en een brug 1898

This photographic print capturing a view of Mantes-la-Jolie, including the Notre Dame and a bridge, was created by Delizy. The sepia tones are the result of the printing process. Photography, though seemingly instantaneous, involves complex chemistry and skilled darkroom work. Here, the photographer has captured not just a scene, but a specific moment in time, shaped by light and shadow. Consider the labor involved in producing this image: the sourcing and preparation of materials, the operation of the camera, and the development of the print. The photographer has framed the Notre Dame and the bridge, constructing a carefully composed image. We can see in this that the image is not a straightforward record, but an artistic interpretation, mediated by the photographer’s choices. It invites us to consider the social context in which it was made. By examining the materials and processes behind this image, we gain a deeper appreciation for the way it bridges the gap between documentation and artistic expression.