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Behind the Troglodyte Farm, c. 1853. Creator: Henri Le Secq (French, 1818-1882)
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Behind the Troglodyte Farm, c. 1853. Creator: Henri Le Secq (French, 1818-1882)
Behind the Troglodyte Farm, c. 1853. Trained as a painter, Le Secq was drawn to the new invention of photography in the late 1840s. He became one of the most gifted early photographers to record architecture and sculpture before his brief, illustrious career ended in 1856. Only one of two known prints, this large-scale image, exceptional for the period and process, belongs to a small group of photographs of troglodyte dwellings in western France near the Loire River. In the mid 19th century, artists of all media were attracted to rustic domestic scenes for both their picturesque qualities and social implications. Since medieval times, people had inhabited caves in France. Around the 15th century, the term troglodyte came into common use to refer to groups of political activists who found their way around property taxes assessed in such a way that people living underground could avoid them. Relying on an elevated vantage point for this picture, Le Secq made the dark, rounded, and mysterious entranceway the central feature of the composition. This contact print displays his prowess at interpreting historic architecture
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This print titled "Behind the Troglodyte Farm, c. 1853" by Henri Le Secq offers a glimpse into the unique world of troglodyte dwellings in western France during the mid-19th century. Le Secq, originally trained as a painter, was among the early pioneers of photography and his talent for capturing architectural and sculptural details is evident in this exceptional large-scale image. The photograph showcases a dark, rounded entranceway that exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. From an elevated vantage point, Le Secq skillfully emphasizes this central feature while also highlighting the rustic charm of these cave-like homes. The composition not only captures their picturesque qualities but also alludes to their social implications. Troglodyte dwellings have been inhabited since medieval times in France, with people seeking refuge within caves to evade property taxes imposed on above-ground residences. In fact, during the 15th century, the term "troglodyte" became associated with political activists who found ways to circumvent such taxes. Le Secq's contact print beautifully showcases his mastery at interpreting historic architecture through photography. This particular print is one of only two known copies and stands out for its period accuracy and technical excellence. With this remarkable image from Heritage Art/Heritage Images, viewers are transported back in time to witness a fascinating chapter in French history where artistry meets practicality within these hidden underground abodes.
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