Givors, Viaduc 1860 - 1862

Edouard Baldus made this photograph, titled "Givors, Viaduc", using a salted paper print. The image features a robust viaduct that spans horizontally across the frame, dominating the composition with its architectural presence. The sepia tones of the print give the scene a timeless quality. Baldus masterfully uses linear perspective to draw the eye across the bridge and into the landscape beyond. The viaduct's structure is articulated with precise detail, emphasizing its geometric design against the backdrop of the water and distant town. The composition divides the scene into distinct horizontal layers: the detailed foreground, the smooth expanse of water, and the bridge itself. Baldus's formal approach aligns with the 19th-century interest in documenting industrial progress, yet there is a clear engagement with aesthetics. He transforms a functional structure into an object of contemplation, inviting viewers to consider how industry intersects with landscape and human vision. This artwork offers a compelling look at the evolving relationship between technology, representation, and perception.