Asile impériale de Vincennes: la bibliothèque 1858 - 1859

Charles Nègre's "Asile impériale de Vincennes: la bibliothèque" (1858-59) captures a scene within the Imperial Asylum of Vincennes, a hospital for veterans and disabled soldiers. The photograph shows a group of men, possibly patients, gathered in a room furnished with a large bookcase and a fireplace. This image is a testament to Nègre's work as a pioneer of photography in France, highlighting his skill in capturing everyday life and architectural spaces in detail. The image, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the daily life within this historical institution.