[Angel of the Passion, Sainte-Chapelle, Paris] 1853 - 1854

This albumen silver print, "Angel of the Passion, Sainte-Chapelle, Paris", was created by Auguste Mestral. The sepia tones and soft focus give the image a dreamlike quality. The composition is divided vertically; on the right, an angel statue stands serenely, while on the left, we see two men appearing somewhat distressed. The contrast between the timelessness of the angel and the immediate presence of the workers creates a tension. The angel, rigidly posed, symbolizes a fixed ideal, contrasting with the labourers' relaxed yet somber demeanor. This juxtaposition destabilizes any singular narrative, prompting questions about labor, spirituality, and representation. Consider the structural elements; the angel's verticality is echoed by the wooden beams, while the men's horizontal postures create a visual anchor. This interplay of lines directs the viewer's eye, suggesting a relationship between the earthly and the divine. Meaning is constructed not through explicit symbolism, but through the relationships established by the formal arrangement of figures and space.