[National Guardsmen and Others in front of the Base of the Vendôme Column, Paris Commune]
Braquehais, who established himself as a photographer in the 1850s with a series of artistic nudes, is now best known for his views of the Paris Commune in 1871. From March 18 until its suppression on May 28, the anti-establishment Commune pitted the workers of the National Guard against the government troops of Adolphe Thiers. The clash led to massive casualties and the burning and destruction of several public buildings and monuments. Whereas numerous photographers made views of the ruined city once the fighting ceased, Braquehais was one of the only practitioners to depict insurgents at the barricades during the active siege. He also documented the destruction of the Vendôme Column and is consequently considered a pioneer of photojournalism in France.
Artwork Details
- Title: [National Guardsmen and Others in front of the Base of the Vendôme Column, Paris Commune]
- Artist: Bruno Braquehais (French, 1823–1875)
- Date: 1871
- Medium: Albumen silver print
- Dimensions: Image: 6 1/8 × 8 3/8 in. (15.6 × 21.3 cm)
- Classification: Photographs
- Credit Line: Funds from various donors, 2016
- Object Number: 2016.340
- Curatorial Department: Photographs
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Bruno Braquehais
ca. 1857
Bruno Braquehais
1871
Bruno Braquehais
1871
Bruno Braquehais
1850s
Médéric Mieusement
1862–67
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