Rare photos of 19th century France

Photographic glimpse of 19th century France

French photographer and artist Charles Negre began taking pictures in 1844, just five years after photography was invented. This month, the first ever solo show of Negre's work in the U.S. will be exhibited at Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs in New York.

The show will feature 4o photographic prints, including 10 extremely rare salt prints with their original paper negatives.

In this image, "The port at Toulon," salt print from glass negative, ca. 1853

Credit: Charles Negre courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs