Gustave Le Gray

Gustave Le Gray, the central figure in French photography in the

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.

Credit: Purchase, Daniel Blau Gift and 2007 Benefit Fund, 2008