Untitled 1857

Gustave Le Gray made this albumen silver print in the 19th century. The image seems to show an important military event or parade with soldiers on horseback and a crowd watching from behind a small ridge. Made in France during a period of colonial expansion, this photograph is likely a comment on France's political power, and it is important to view this photograph within the context of French colonialism and the power dynamics it represents. Le Gray was commissioned by the French government and high society, reflecting the institutional support for portraying French power. The photograph's visual codes, such as the soldiers on horseback and the gathered crowd, create a sense of authority and control. When interpreting such images, we need to consider the social conditions of artistic production. Scholarly articles and institutional records are valuable in understanding the role of art in shaping our understanding of history.