Gustave Le Gray
1850s, was famed not only for his sylvan studies in Fontainebleau
Forest and his dramatic seascapes but also for his technical
innovation and photographic instruction. At his studio near the
Barrière de Clichy in Paris he taught more than fifty photographers
their art; among them were some, including Roger Fenton, who are
now considered part of the pantheon, and others, such as Alphonse
De Launay, who were nearly lost to history.
In this remarkably spontaneous and expressive portrait, Le Gray’s
protégé perfectly captured both the ease of a master enjoying his
success and the cockiness of the man who, six years later, would flee
his creditors, abandon his wife and children, sail the Mediterranean
with Alexandre Dumas, and end his days in Egypt as tutor to the
Pasha’s sons. Some credit must also go to Le Gray, whose active
participation—perhaps even directing his pupil—accounts for much
of the picture’s success.
Artwork Details
- Title: Gustave Le Gray
- Artist: Alphonse Delaunay (French, 1827–1906)
- Date: 1854
- Medium: Salted paper print from glass negative
- Dimensions: Image: 22.1 x 16.5 cm (8 11/16 x 6 1/2 in.)
Mount: 44 x 34.2 cm (17 5/16 x 13 7/16 in.) - Classification: Photographs
- Credit Line: Purchase, Daniel Blau Gift and 2007 Benefit Fund, 2008
- Object Number: 2008.256
- Curatorial Department: Photographs
More Artwork
Related Content
Timeline of Art History
Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.
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.