Artwork

View of Gothic Architecture, Sculpture and Tomb Displayed at Crystal Palace

View of Gothic Architecture, Sculpture and Tomb Displayed at Crystal Palace is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Negretti and Zambra. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1855 stereoscopic daguerreotype photograph captures an interior scene of the Crystal Palace in Sydenham, London, shortly after its relocation. The image showcases a display of Gothic architectural elements and medieval sculptures amidst a bustling crowd.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph's subject is the exhibition of Gothic architectural fragments and funerary sculptures within the Crystal Palace. It highlights Victorian interest in medieval heritage and the palace's role in showcasing art and architecture to the masses.

Technique & Style

Presented in a black mount with two rectangular arched windows, glazed and framed with a passe-partout, the daguerreotype's technical aspects are characteristic of mid-19th-century stereoscopic photography. The bright, albeit uneven, lighting reflects the challenging indoor conditions of the time.

History & Provenance

Created in 1855 by Negretti and Zambra, as indicated by the label on the frame's verso, this photograph documents the Crystal Palace's interior during its early years in Sydenham, following the 1854 relocation from Hyde Park.

Context

The photograph provides insight into mid-19th-century cultural practices, specifically how the Crystal Palace, with its innovative glass and iron structure, served as a venue for the public appreciation of art and architecture, reflecting the era's historical preservation and exhibition trends.