About This Image

A very rich print of this key variant photograph, which is quite rare.With the negative (No. 160) reversed out of image. A very rare variant of the largest, best known and most sought-after Durandelle image of the New Paris Opera series published outside of the portfolio.For the more well known image, see: Maton and Garcia, Les Chef-d'Oeuvre de la Photographie dans les Collections of the l'Ecole des Beaux-Arts, p.92-93; Frizot, et. al., A New History of Photography, p.222; Borcoman, Eugene Atget 1857-1927, fig.34; Goldschmidt and Naef, The Truthful Lens: A Survey of the Photographically Illustrated Book 1844-1914, The Grolier Club, New York, 1980; Miquel, Le Second Empire: Trésors de la photographie, p.116; Haworth-Booth, One hundred photographs: A collection by Bruce Bernard, p.111.Durandelle's portfolio is considered to be the definitive work on the Opera at Paris, 'the most exuberant building of its time' (Dictionary of Art, XII, p. 156).A relative unknown, Charles Garnier won the competition to build the Opera in 1861 as an expression of the wealth and power of Napoleon III's Second Empire. Construction commenced immediately, employing over 90 painters and sculptors for its lavish decorative program alone, and it was completed--under the Third Republic--in 1875.The celebrated French architectural photographer Durandelle recorded its construction in 'photographs which are a milestone in the use of the medium for extended architectural documentation. They count among the most splendid examples of 19th-century architectural photography.' (C. Phillips, The Construction of the Paris Opéra, exhibition at ICP, New York, 2001).

Most U.S. domestic Fed Ex ground shipping (Media Mail for books) is free of charge except for larger and heavier items, or unless the buyer wants express shipping (email us your requests for the latter). International shipping and insurance costs will be added to the price and must be paid for by the buyer. Pennsylvania buyers must pay appropriate local sales tax. International clients are responsible for their local customs duties and taxes, which will be charged by Fed Ex, which will contact the client prior to delivery.