Saint-Cloud by Eugene Atget (1921-22)

The photograph titled “Saint-Cloud,” captured by Eugene Atget in the years 1921-22, depicts a formal garden scene. It is characterized by a meticulous arrangement of shrubbery and pathways, with several conspicuously trimmed conical topiaries in the foreground that command attention. These neatly shaped trees stand out against the more naturally shaped foliage in the background. A staircase can be seen in the middle distance, suggesting the presence of a grand estate or park. The composition and lighting of the scene convey a sense of both tranquility and the precision of man-made landscaping within a natural environment. The photograph, in the pictorialist style, is monochromatic, indicative of the time period in which it was taken. The careful attention to detail and composition is both a document of a place and time, as well as an artistic expression by Atget.

Other Photographs from Eugene Atget

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