Lantaarn met vijf glazen bollen rustend op een gedecoreerde bronzen standaard. c. 1878 - 1881

Louis-Emile Durandelle made this albumen print of an ornate lamp in France sometime in the late 19th century. Durandelle was a renowned architectural photographer who documented the rapid transformation of Paris during the Second Empire and the early Third Republic. This photograph presents a lantern with five glass globes atop an elaborate bronze stand. The lantern is set against a backdrop of classical columns and decorative friezes. The image creates a sense of grandeur and permanence, reflecting the values of the Parisian elite who were rebuilding the city in their own image. Durandelle’s photographs often served institutional purposes, documenting the progress of construction projects and showcasing the achievements of engineers and architects. By studying these images, along with archival documents and period publications, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and political forces that shaped the urban landscape of modern Paris.