Getty Museum

Street in Saint Pierre, Martinique

Date

about 1848

Medium

Daguerreotype

Culture

French

Department

Photographs

Institution

Getty Museum

The rows of buildings on either side of the narrow road culminate in the building in the far distance, making it appear the central part of a stage set. Its classical architecture, capped by a triangular pediment, contrasts with the vernacular informality of the numerous clapboard and shingle structures. Along with its visually central location, its classical style may indicate that it served as some kind of civic building. The bright West Indian sunlight defines textures of wood, pavement, and distant palm, while the deep shadows and blurred, almost ghostlike figures standing just off the road add a lingering drama. This image displays great detail: even the cracks in the pavement are visible.

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