Verzamelalbum van Alexandre Maréchal uit Nantes met familieleden, kennissen en bekende personen 1860 - 1900

This is a family album from Nantes, France, likely made in the 1800s by Alexandre Maréchal. Bound in tooled leather with gilded decoration, it represents more than just a repository for family photos. Consider for a moment the social status that such an object implies. Photography itself was still a relatively new technology, and the creation of such an album speaks to a certain level of wealth and social standing. This object broadcasts the importance of family lineage and social connections in 19th century France. The album acted as a physical manifestation of the owner’s social network, a portable display of their relationships. The decoration, with its gold leaf and intricate tooling, further emphasizes the value placed on these connections. To understand this album fully, we would need to look at the history of photography in France, the social structures of Nantes, and the Maréchal family. Only then can we appreciate its place in the broader cultural landscape.