Photographies
This unique album contains 28 photographs by Edmond Bacot of the Gothic monuments of Caen, Rouen, and other sites in Normandy. Trained as a painter in the studio of Paul Delaroche, Bacot intended these images not merely as topographical or architectural records, but as explorations of the aesthetic potential of the new medium. In their dramatic use of shadow and light, mass and detail, Bacot's images exemplify a new, romanticized view of the Gothic, articulated most vividly in the writings and drawings of Victor Hugo.
Bacot visited the great writer shortly after his exile to the Isle of Jersey in 1852, bringing goods and funds to the exile community there. Hugo greatly admired the photographs that Bacot brought and subsequently sent to him throughout the year, calling them "marvels". In 1853, Hugo's son Charles studied photography with Bacot. In admiration of his teacher's talents, Charles also prepared this album of Bacot photographs, which he called "one of the most beautiful books that has ever illustrated the most beautiful monuments."
Bacot visited the great writer shortly after his exile to the Isle of Jersey in 1852, bringing goods and funds to the exile community there. Hugo greatly admired the photographs that Bacot brought and subsequently sent to him throughout the year, calling them "marvels". In 1853, Hugo's son Charles studied photography with Bacot. In admiration of his teacher's talents, Charles also prepared this album of Bacot photographs, which he called "one of the most beautiful books that has ever illustrated the most beautiful monuments."
Artwork Details
- Title: Photographies
- Artist: Edmond Bacot (French, 1814–1875)
- Date: 1850s
- Medium: Salted paper prints
- Classification: Albums
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1995
- Object Number: 1995.96
- Curatorial Department: Photographs
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Edmond Bacot
1852–54
Edmond Bacot
1852–53
Edmond Bacot
1852–54
Edmond Bacot
1852–54
Edmond Bacot
1852–54
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.