Lot 1
  • 1

Édouard Baldus (1813-1889)

Estimate
10,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Édouard Baldus
  • Cloister of St. Trophime in Arles, 1851
Albumen print from multiple waxed negatives, mounted on a later board, and titled in pencil on the board in a later hand.

Literature

Daniel, M.1994 p. 21; variant fig. 3. & pl. 1.
De Mondenard, A. 2002 pp. 89-91 & figs. 35, 36, & 237.

Condition

A lightly coated albumen print of a smaller size than the version submitted by Baldus in fulfilment of his contract with the Mission Héliographique. The surface is in excellent condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This image represents a famous moment in Baldus' career, when he resolved the almost insuperable problem of how to photograph in the confined space and very contrasting light levels of a cloister in the south of France by making many negatives and combining them in the manner of a jigsaw puzzle. 
This image has been much discussed, notably in the Metropolitan Museum catalogue referenced below, where an illustration identifies the separate negatives involved. It is an image (and a location) to which Baldus returned many times in his career, apparently looking always to perfect his rendition. In the present print, Baldus has cleared away a line of low stone benches on the left of the image, the more fully to accentuate the receding perspective of the cloister. He has also, among several other less obvious adjustments, boldly stripped away columns on the left wall.